Authors' objectives:

This report assesses the practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Quebec. The report examines the efficacy and risks of this therapeutic approach, as well as the conditions of its use in Quebec.

Authors' recommendations: The prevailing uncertainties regarding the efficacy and risks of ECT are still important. It is therefore necessary to gather further information on these issues. In addition, the use of ECT in cases of depression must be based on a rigorous treatment algorithm, in association with pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Moreover, the various depression treatment modes must be accessible. AETMIS recommends that: 1) the Fonds de la recherche en Sante du Quebec (the health research funding agency) and the Ministre de la Sante et des Services Sociaux (the health and social services department) promote projects that increase knowledge on the efficacy and risks of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); 2) the Ministre de la Sante et des Services Sociaux, in cooperation with the Association des Hopitaux du Quebec (the provincial hospital association), set up registries concerning the use of ECT treatment in hospitals, for both hospitalized patients and patients treated in outpatient clinics; 3) the Ministre de la Sante et des Services Sociaux, in cooperation with the Association des Hopitaux du Quebec, support and finance pilot projects to test innovative institutional regulatory approaches with regard to ECT practice in hospitals, these projects to include patient representatives and persons independent from the institutions, such as representatives of community groups; 4) ECT practice in Qubec be supported by evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, developed by the Collge des mdecins (the college of physicians) in cooperation with the various groups concerned; 5) hospitals develop and implement quality control programs with regard to medical care and services involving ECT; 6) particular emphasis be placed on the consent process, considering the uncertainty regarding the risks of this treatment; 7) community mental-health groups be given the means to inform patients and the public regarding the evidence concerning ECT and to support patients, their families and friends in the treatment process.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.aetmis.gouv.qc.ca/

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé

Contact Address: 2021, avenue Union, Bureau 10.083,Montreal, Quebec H3A S29, Canada.Tel: +1 514 873 2563; Fax: +1 514 873 1369

Contact Name: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Contact Email: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Copyright: Agence d'Evaluation des Technologies et des Modes d'Intervention en Sante (AETMIS)