NHS QIS issues the NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance No 59 on the use of electroconvulsive therapy to NHSScotland.
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland issues Advice on electroconvulsive therapy
The following have been considered by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland through its revised procedure of processing of NICE Guidance:
NICE Technology appraisal Guidance No 59 – Guidance on the use of electroconvulsive therapy
As no important differences were identified for this NICE Guidance, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland advises that it is as valid for Scotland as for England and Wales and no other publications on the NICE Guidance will be issued by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.
To view the full reports, please click on the related links on this page.
Whilst the NICE Guidance is applicable to Scotland, readers should note the relevant differences in statute and practice in Scotland. In particular, the existing Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 remains in force until the new Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Bill (2003) comes into effect in 2004/05. The new Code of Practice for the latter is still in development. In addition, Part 5 of the Adults With Incapacity Act should be used to allow ECT in an informal patient who lacks capacity to give informed consent, but is not objecting to the treatment. The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and the Royal College of Psychiatrists Scottish Division provide guidance on other consent issues in relation to ECT. The Scottish ECT Audit Network is a valuable resource to ensure the safe and effective provision of ECT to patients throughout Scotland. Originally funded by the Clinical Resource and Audit Group (CRAG), this continues to function but is now being funded by Trusts.
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland advice represents the evidence-based view of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. NHSScotland should take account of this advice from NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. However, this advice does not override or replace the individual responsibility of health professionals to make appropriate decisions in the circumstances of their individual patients, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.
Hard copies of the NICE Guidance are available from NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (contact Shonagh Buchanan, tel 0141 225 6993) and all NICE Guidance and NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Comments are available on this website.