Nurses’ Knowledge and Practices Regarding Electroconvulsive Therapy in El Tigani El Mahi Psychiatric Teaching Hospital Khartoum State Sudan

Fatima ELzahra E. Khoujali¹, Gamalat G. Dawood^2* , Abdelhakam G. Tamomh³, Eptihag M. Mustafa², Nasra M. Awadelgeed⁴ and Marafi A. Abdelrahim⁵

¹Outpatient Burns Department, Al Wakra Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar

²Faculty of Nursing Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan

³Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan

⁴College of Nursing Sciences, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan

⁵Faculty of Medicine, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan

*Corresponding Author Gamalat G. Dawood, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a vital and effective treatment in contemporary psychiatric practice, particularly for patients with severe mood and psychotic disorders. Enhancing nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding ECT is essential to ensure patient safety, provide optimal care, and offer psychosocial support.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted to assess nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding ECT at El Tigani El Mahi Psychiatric Teaching Hospital in Khartoum State, Sudan, during the period from April to July 2022. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used, and the study included 40 nurses who were readily available and agreed to participate during the data collection period. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results: The results showed that 92.5% of nurses were female, with 57.5% aged above 31 years and 42.5% under 30 years. Most participants (92.5%) held a nursing diploma, and 52.5% had over five years of clinical experience. The overall knowledge level about ECT was good (70.3%). Nurses demonstrated competent practice in several areas, ranging from 75% to 100%. However, the lowest level of competency was observed in checking the gag reflex before giving fluids, performed by only 7.5% of nurses.

Conclusion: While the general knowledge and practice levels were good, there were specific gaps, particularly regarding contraindications and gag reflex assessment. The study recommends incorporating regular in-service training and continuing education programs within psychiatric hospital systems to strengthen nursing competencies in ECT.