Strategies from A Multi-National Sample of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Services: Managing Anesthesia for ECT during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is important in the management of severe, treatment-resistant, and life-threatening psychiatric illness. Anesthesia supports clinical efficacy tolerability ECT. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted ECT services, including anesthesia. This study documents strategies for managing anesthesia during pandemic. Data were collected between March November 2021, using a mixed-methods, cross-sectional, electronic survey. Clinical directors their delegates, anesthetists worldwide participated. One hundred twelve participants provided quantitative responses to Of these, 23.4% anesthetists, remainder directors. Most from Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe. located public hospital, metropolitan region, ‘medium/high-risk’ hotspot. Half reported services made changes anesthetic technique Services introduced associated with induction, ventilation, use laryngeal mask airways, staffing, medications, plastic barriers separate staff patients, location extubation recovery. first multi-national, mixed-methods investigate practices results are vital inform practice next waves infection, ensuring patients continue receive