Improving Engagement and Shared Decision Making for Patients Receiving rTMS or ECT Treatment

Grant Application

LalithKumar K. Solai, MD, of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC

 

Proposed Innovation

Doctors at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic who care for patients with treatment resistant depression may recommend Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). Although they have the potential to be both lifesaving and life changing treatments, patients and their families can be extremely fearful and reluctant to try these unfamiliar, technically complex, and often misunderstood psychiatric interventions.

Through this project, a professionally produced educational video will be created for patients and family members to both inform them and ease unwarranted fears.

 

Improvements in Action

This project aims to improve patient engagement and enhance shared decision making through the development and production of a new patient informational video. This video will include patient stories, expert interviews, visual depictions of what occurs in the procedure room, and brain imaging and computer graphics explaining the procedures and how the technology works.

 

Results — In Progress

The video is expected to serve as an effective educational tool to better equip patents and family members for collaborative conversations with their care team. The goal is to increase knowledge about the procedures, dispel common misconceptions, allay anxiety and fear, and encourage more patients to consider using the treatments.