IF Success - Anxiety reducing images for patients having ECT

Anxiety related to receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is very common with 14%-75% of patients affected. There are very few interventions that have been implemented to reduce the management of this form of anxiety.

Patients who present to the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Day Procedure Unit to undergo ECT experience varying levels of anxiety that is often exacerbated upon entering the treatment room. This can be overwhelming for the patient and can complicate the effectiveness of the procedure on efficacy and complexity domains.

There is an existing welcoming environment in the reception area with aromatherapy and visual distractions to provide a comfortable and therapeutic environment while patients are being prepared for their procedure. There is also a similar environment in recovery. As part of extending anxiety management approaches into the treatment room while maintaining compliance with infection control standards, it was proposed that a ceiling mounted television could provide patients with some relief prior to them undergoing anaesthesia.

Patients now enter the treatment room and choose what they would like to watch or listen to. During the preparation phase staff are able to use this distraction as a tool for discussion. Although newly installed, so far this initiative has been well received.

“When the Innovative Future (IF) Program advertised for innovative ideas we were ready to respond and were delighted when our submission was successful. We personally met with the IF team and have received regular updates and visits from all services involved. Our requests especially working around treatment days have been met with a courteous and helpful attitude. Thank you to the Director of the IF Program and all team members for the professional expertise in helping us bring this project to fruition, ” said Dannielle Orifici, Coordinator of Nursing, Mental Health.

Amelia Graves, registered nurse, said, “In the ECT Suite we had lots of ideas of things that would make the experience of our patients better and a bit less stressful, so I submitted a few. I was delighted to have success with the idea of a visual screen on the ceiling of the ECT treatment room. Although COVID-19 created challenges along the way, the team remained passionate and determined about making our vision a reality. I know the screen on the ceiling will be a very useful tool to help reduce the anxiety of our patients coming to us for treatment.”