Evidence-Based Education for Perianesthesia RNs to Increase Knowledge and Change Attitudes of Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abstract

To increase perianesthesia registered nurses (RNs') knowledge and change attitudes of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A pretest/post-test design was used. An interprofessional team collaborated in the development of a 1-hour teaching session, which included PowerPoint presentation, case studies, and online resources. The education was offered four times from December 2017 to April 2018. Data were collected on self-reported learning outcomes and the Questionnaire on Attitudes and Knowledge of ECT. After the education, increased knowledge was reported. RNs (n= 25) were more likely to recommend ECT as a treatment option (P= .013) and believed that psychiatrists take other health care providers' views into account (P= .023). They were also more likely to believe that ECT should not be used as a last resort (P= .022) and should not be banned (P= .025). Self-reported knowledge increased, and some of the RNs' attitudes toward ECT changed after education.