Abstract
Introduction: The factors influencing patients' motivation for undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have not yet been subjected to a thorough study. Knowledge of these factors could improve the quality of care for patients with depression recommended to have ECT.
Aim: To identify the factors that influence the motivation of patients diagnosed with depression to have ECT.
Method: This qualitative study followed a grounded theory approach in which semistructured interviews were conducted with 18 patients from four different psychiatric hospitals to study their perspectives on factors influencing their motivation to
have ECT.
Results: The explanatory framework of factors influencing motivation for ECT comprises four main categories, starting with the most important category, psychological pain and distress, and continuing with the following categories: perceived need for
treatment; perception of ECT as an effective treatment; environmental influences.
Discussion: In this study, we found that the psychological pain and distress of depression, and their consequences in daily life, had been the primary experiences that motivated patients to start and continue ECT.
Implications for Practice: This is the first study that has examined motivational factors for patients with severe depression to participate in ECT. Professionals appear to have a key role in motivating patients for ECT. They should explore factors that influence motivation for ECT, regularly assess their motivation and intervene on influential factors
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