Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) 2 day Foundation Programme

Purpose

In conjunction with clinical practice colleagues, equip Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs) and Registered Learning Disability Nurses (RNLDs) with the knowledge, ethical foundations, professional standards, and person-centred skills required to deliver safe, effective, evidence-informed nursing care to individuals prescribed Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

Learning Outcomes

• Reflect on the historical context of ECT and analyse how public perceptions have shaped contemporary attitudes toward ECT.
• Explain the indications, risks, benefits, and evidence base for ECT.
• Describe the principles of anaesthesia for ECT and describe the care of the person undergoing anaesthesia.
• Assess and monitor the physical health of patients undergoing ECT, recognising early signs of physiological deterioration in order to preserve safety. 
• Undertake key nursing assessments and integrate biopsychosocial and trauma-informed approaches into ECT care planning, addressing communication needs, emotional support, psychological wellbeing, and social context.
• Recognise the roles and responsibilities of the members of the Multi-disciplinary Team in caring for the person undergoing ECT.
• Identify legal, ethical, consent and capacity requirements specific to ECT.
• Provide sensitive, informed, person-centred care that addresses misconceptions, supports shared decision-making and promotes recovery-based principles.

Audience

Registered Mental Health and Learning Disability Nurses working in all areas of Mental Health/Learning Disability

Method

Online delivery

For programmes delivered online, please ensure that you access them on a device which has a functioning camera and microphone so that you can fully participate in the class.

Important Information

Clinical Practice will be undertaken from weeks 1-12 (dependent on service delivery of ECT). This two day course is in keeping with the National Association Lead Nurses for E.C.T. (NALNECT) programme. All nurses attending this course will be required to observe and participate in 10 sessions of E.C.T. over the three month period in order to complete a competency based workbook.

Following this theoretical component the participant must engage with an appropriate skilled practitioner, in his/her clinical area, to further develop a greater knowledge and understanding of this person-centred care activity. This will involved completion of the competency based workbook, which should be completed within 6-9 months to consolidate learning and application to practice. It is the responsibility of the individual participant to complete this activity and to confirm completion with his/her line manager.

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