Some Influences on Regional Variation in Frequency of Prescription of Electroconvulsive Therapy

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Abstract
A Republic of Ireland national survey of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) showed wide inter-hospital variation in ECT rates. Psychiatric admission rates, professional attitudes, and patient turnover were found to predict these rates. No significant association was found between ECT rates and public/private care or other socio-economic factors. A limited examination of British [UK] admission data revealed a similar set of correlations, suggesting that the findings may apply in non-profit health-care systems outside the Republic of Ireland.