Family Presence During Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Qualitative Study About Its Feasibility From a Patient, Family Member, and Healthcare Worker Perspective.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore perspectives of patients, family, and healthcare professionals on feasibility of family presence during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Methods: This qualitative study used semistructured interviews. Eleven patients and 12 healthcare workers participated in small focus groups. Four family members were interviewed individually. All patients and their family members had prior experience with ECT, and all healthcare workers provided care to patients undergoing ECT. Verbatim transcriptions were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Five main themes emerged. First, family members should be considered as partners in ECT care and their involvement is beneficial for patients, family, and healthcare workers. Second, patients can experience more support through family proximity immediately before and after ECT and during the ECT procedure by providing an added sense of control. Third, family presence can be stressful for family members as witnessing the procedure might be anxiety provoking. In addition, for healthcare workers, increased distress by feeling watched might negatively impact their professional performance. Fourth, all participants express the need for clear guidelines when implementing family presence during ECT. Fifth, more transparency through family presence might be helpful to dispel ECT myths still present in society.

Conclusions: Even though family presence during an ECT procedure can be stressful for healthcare workers and families, it can be feasible when embedded in a broader family-centered ECT care including clear guidelines. Family presence may enhance patients' sense of support, improve understanding of ECT for both patients and family members, and help destigmatize the procedure.