Reflections on Advanced Practice of Nurse Administered ECT as a Treatment Resource during the COVID-19 Pandemic

摘要

Background: With Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) during the COVID-19 pandemic at risk, nurse administered ECT has become a treatment resource. This study aims to investigate the experiences of two senior ECT nurses practicing Nurse Administered ECT. Method: Qualitative reflective interviews were conducted; the data was then analyzed and presented as corresponding themes for inductive data driven analysis. Each nurse was asked to recall positive and negative events from their practice and describe how their experiences have enabled them to cope. Results: Theme 1: The nurse’s competence is positively influenced by feedback, leading to enhancement of personal and professional development. Theme 2: During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses report an increased sense of teamwork among staff, and feel that “we are all in this together”. Theme 3: The nurse’s ability to manage difficult situations is dependent on their education, individual knowledge, and experience. Limitations: The authors had the role of both researcher and participant. Conclusion: This study found that both nurses valued feedback above any medical and technical skills they had acquired. This strengthened their advanced practice enabling them to handle difficult situations with confidence. The COVID 19 pandemic has led to advanced nursing practice replacing the junior doctor role within ECT treatment. The nurses felt this had been recognised by their organisation and has led to an increased pride in their work. This paper would suggest that Nurse administered ECT is a valuable resource and that, future nurses could be at the forefront of delivering ECT services.