| Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a controversial treatment for mentally ill individuals. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (PMH-APRNs) about ECT as a treatment option for individuals with mental illness. Using a phenomenological research design with elements of an ethnographic approach, data were gathered through conversational interviews with six PMH-APRNs living in a rural region of a mountain state. Following verification of accuracy of transcripts, data were analyzed for themes. Findings from this study indicate that PMH-APRNs would consider the utilization of ECT as a treatment option for their clients after all medication trials and other modalities have failed and certain other criteria are met. Several barriers exist and interfere with offering ECT as a treatment option. More education about ECT is necessary to increase confidence levels of PMH-APRNs to consider ECT as a treatment modality. |
