Malpractice in Procedure of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) – are we Violating Patient’s Rights?

Introduction

Health is not based on absence of illness, but it is a matter that balances our physical, mental, spiritual and sexual aspects of life [1]. Talking about the mental health is one of those aspects which is most neglected and stigmatized refraining people to even seek proper and timely help [2]. Ongoing basis we definitely see lots of clients requiring various treatment for maintaining their mental wellness [3]. Application of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) is one of the treatment modalities used in Pakistan [4]. Providing electric current in a controlled manner to human brain has been reliably one of the effective treatments for various mental health disorders [5]. The primary indications for this therapy are Major Depression, Mania and sometimes Schizophrenia [6]. Journey of ECT began in 1979 when Italian psychiatrist Ugo Celetti and Lucio Binin performed it for the first time in Rome [7].

ECT is the safe induction of Grand mal (generalized) seizures through electric current to the brain [8]. Despite of its wide usage, ECT continues to be the most stigmatized treatment as described in a very famous publication called “flew over the cuckoo’s next”, which talked about ECT in horrific terms [9]. This misconception is due to the poor treatment practices, cinematic portrayal of electroconvulsive therapy and invalid sources of information which influenced opinions of millions [10]. Today, It is regarded the safe and quicker treatment than any other drug if administered in medically sound manner, following the standards of biomedical ethics. Over the years this technique has been modified with the addition of Anesthesia to achieve amnesia and pain free procedure, muscle relaxant and oxygenation to eliminate musculoskeletal injury and to aid in airway management during the procedure [11].

Discussion

According to the mental health ordinance Pakistan [12], “Specialized psychiatric treatment is to be carried out with informed consent of the patient in writing, or relative or guardian if patient is a minor or lacks competency also, electroconvulsive therapy shall be administered in general anesthesia”. This should only be performed by qualified psychiatrist in an appropriate setting [6]. Also basic requirements of informed consent for ECT were proposed by American Psychiatric Association Task Force [13], It is mandatory to provide adequate information to the patient and family and opportunity to consent. Yet, many psychiatric hospitals operating in developing countries fail to provide the quality mental health care, by still using unmodified electroconvulsive therapy; which is not taken as a treatment rather depicted as a brutally abusive maneuver, lack of public acceptance, negative depiction and techniques used by untrained professionals results in confirmation of false beliefs about ECT. The feeling of betrayal, unworthiness, hopelessness and low self-esteem further escalates the vulnerability to stressors leading poor communication and eventually unwillingness to participate in the procedure.

This is also violating the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice [14]. What made us look into this issue is continuous observations that we witnessed on various clinical placements in a city of Pakistan, where ECT and other psychiatric services are available. These mal practices include untrained professionals, no use of anesthetic while providing therapy, lack of empathy and emotional connection with client, practitioners are unaware of history, nurses are not handling and care clients prior or post to procedure, no educational teaching is given to client or family and many more unacceptable events. For patients receiving this treatment is deeply and long lastingly traumatic experience of their lives and affects every aspect of their health. Often unmodified ECT results in physical injuries like joint dislocation, spinal fractures and cognitive impairments. But it is widely seen to be practiced in Pakistan, not everywhere but in many of the therapy providing centers.

Furthermore, it also affects limbic system of brain which is affected by deep trauma. Lack of knowledge and attitude of staff make patients feel ashamed, hopeless, afraid and anxious. The debate here is not whether to get or not get ECT but the malpractice in administering ECT regarding violation of ethical principles. At the very least, patient should receive the treatment following the same human rights, ethical standards and quality. Dilion developed a model for engaging with the patient and family based on five-step interventions in collaboration of ECT team with staff for successful procedure [15], and this is very fruitful adding here in the table below to connect with the unacceptable situation of performing ECT in some of the medical centers and platform (psychiatric) witnessed (Table 1).

Table 1:

Recommendations & Conclusion

The most important role of a care providers (nurse, student nurses, physicians, people who do the procedure) in mental health setting is to provide support to the patients for psychological wellbeing. Attention should be given towards educating the patients and families about the procedure, consent, side effects, benefits and outcomes. All the patients have right to take or refuse care or procedure. By doing risk-benefit analysis we can also maintain both respects of ethical principles i.e. autonomy vs. beneficence. Moreover, Proper pre and post education and intervention should be done. Team involved in the treatment should review own knowledge to prevent confusions. Patients should be provided with correct and adequate information about the process. A checklist for procedure (pre, intra, post) is another beneficial option.

In conclusion, Electro-Convulsive Therapy has proven to be the effective treatment for various mental disorders, but approach should be therapeutic to ensure the psychological benefit of this activity. However, witnessed cases in many of the services center around the city it is very difficult to ensure proper safety of clients that is why a simple procedure can become very harmful. As, caregivers of psychiatric clients we all as a team should cooperate to bring a better care of patients with maintaining proper protocols of the procedure.

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