Characteristics of Successful Transitions From Inpatient to Outpatient Electroconvulsive Therapy

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify clinical and psychosocial factors involved in transitioning hospitalized patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) from the inpatient to the outpatient setting and to propose an algorithm to guide clinicians with this process. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for adult patients discharged from a psychiatric hospital from 2002 to 2012 who had an acute course of ECT that was initiated in the hospital and completed as an outpatient. We reviewed demographic and clinical information and outcomes, including ECT treatments. Results: Among the 277 patients who were identified, the mean age was 52.2 years, 60% were women, and 66% were married. The mean length of hospital stay was 12.9 days, and the mean number of ECT treatments was 4.9 as an inpatient and 3.1 as an outpatient. The most frequent primary diagnosis was depression. Most patients (81%) had a responsible adult at home. Patients had good cognitive functioning at both baseline and discharge, and showed improved functional status at discharge (P
Source: Journal of Psychiatric Practice - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Articles Source Type: research