Examining the perceptions and practices of Romanian psychiatry residents regarding electroconvulsive therapy

Introduction. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) stands as a controversial yet efficacious psychiatric intervention, attracting clinical interest and public debate. In Romania, where cultural, historical, and systemic factors influence medical practices, research on the perceptions of psychiatric residents regarding ECT is limited. Objective and methods. The primary objective of this study is to gain insights into the attitudes and practices of psychiatric residents regarding ECT in Romania. An online survey was conducted among Romanian trainees, collecting data on demographics, ECT exposure, safety and efficacy perceptions, training experiences, and the impact of stigma on clinical decisions. Results. The survey, encompassing responses from 49 Romanian psychiatric residents, revealed that nearly 70% of them were exposed to ECT procedures, with varying frequencies of attendance. While safety and efficacy perceptions were predominantly positive, with 75.5% considering ECT safe and 73.5% deeming it effective, significant training gaps were evident. Only 16.3% received specific ECT training, highlighting the need for more comprehensive education. Stigma had a mild to moderate impact on clinical decisions, emphasizing the importance of targeted educational efforts. Beliefs and preconceptions about ECT among patients and colleagues underscored the necessity for thorough patient education. Despite these challenges, an overwhelming majority (89.8%) expressed a favorable inclination towards expanding ECT use, signifying a potential shift towards greater acceptance within the young psychiatric community. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the perspectives and practices of psychiatric residents regarding ECT in Romania. Enhancing ECT training and addressing stigma is essential to ensure its safe and effective use in psychiatric practice. Healthcare institutions and policymakers should prioritize these efforts to promote evidence-based psychiatric treatment decisions.