A Survey of ECT Anesthesia Practice Variation in Finland

Abstract

Objective This study examines the extent of variation in anesthesia practices among Finnish neuromodulation units providing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and investigates recent changes within individual units. Methods An electronic survey was carried out among Finnish neuromodulation units exploring staff demographics, anesthesia practices (including agents and adjuvants), patient physiology monitoring, observed adverse effects, patient follow-up times, and recent anesthesia protocol changes. Results Finland has 26 neuromodulation units providing ECT, of which 18 (69%) responded to our study. The research uncovered significant differences in anesthesia practices, including induction agent choice, convulsion motor component monitoring, staff educational backgrounds, and reported adverse effects. Propofol was the most commonly used anesthetic in 14 units (78%). Three units (17%) reported using methohexital in 80%–100% of their patients, whereas in contrast, methohexital was not used at all in 10 units (56%). Electromyography seizure activity was quantitatively measured in 6 units (33%), whereas 10 units (56%) did not measure electromyography seizure activity at all. The remaining 2 units assessed seizure activity through visual observation. Headache requiring medication was the most commonly reported adverse effect, and it was reported as a frequent problem in 3 units (18%). Conclusions Based on the variation in anesthesia practices identified in the study, we suggest there may be benefits to developing a national guideline for standardizing treatment.