The experience of living after ECT: a qualitative meta-synthesis. (4th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wells, K.; Hancock, N.; Honey, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of mental health. Volume 30:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 526
• Page End: 540
• Publication Date: 2021-07-04
• Subjects: Electro-convulsive therapy -- service-user research -- qualitative synthesis -- lived experience -- long-term side-effects -- quality of life; Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental health services -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2020.1739244
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8237

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a controversial treatment. Research has predominantly focused on clinician assessment of short-term efficacy and, occasionally, on participant experiences of the treatment itself. While service user accounts of the long-term impacts of ECT are reported, they are dispersed throughout the literature and typically tangential to studie's main foci. Aim: The aim of this study was to synthesise service-user accounts, within peer-reviewed literature, of long-term impacts of ECT in their daily lives. Methods: A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted. A systematic literature search identified qualitative articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Results sections of eligible papers were analysed thematically. Results: From 16 eligible papers, the review identified 11 long-term impacts, four social influences and five strategies that people employed to navigate these long-term impacts. Conclusion: Limited research has examined long-term experiences of ECT from service-user perspectives. These lived experience perspectives are required to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and assist future service delivery to align with needs of people living with long-term ECT impacts.