Attitudes and Perceptions of Early-Career Psychiatrists Towards Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Poland: A Call for Enhanced Training and Guidelines

Abstract

Introduction In Poland, the therapeutic modality of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) boasts a history spanning over seven decades. Despite its documented therapeutic efficacy and safety profile, its integration into clinical practice remains suboptimal. Recent data elucidates a marked paucity in the utilization rate of ECT in Poland. Therefore, it is imperative to discern the barriers impeding its broader adoption of this potentially life-saving treatment. Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the attitude of early career psychiatrists towards ECT and its place in clinical practice in Poland. Methods A web-based, anonymous survey was conducted, targeting early career psychiatrists in Poland. The questionnaire, part of an international study, consisted of 36 multiple-choice and Likert scale questions. Results The majority of respondents emphasised the importance of further educational opportunities related to ECT, seeing it as a safe, effective, and possibly lifesaving procedure. Most of them benefited from ECT training during their residency, however less than a half had the opportunity to administer ECT themselves. They exhibited an interest to introduce ECT into their therapeutic repertoire, depending on the provision of requisite financial and infrastructural support. Conclusions There is a palpable eagerness among early career psychiatrists in Poland to enhance their proficiency in ECT. A robust curriculum, encompassing both theoretical discourse and hands-on ECT training, is paramount for all psychiatry trainees. Concurrently, there is a pressing need to formulate national ECT guidelines within Poland, which could potentially ameliorate apprehensions surrounding this procedure. Disclosure of Interest None Declared