Electroconvulsive therapy in Hong Kong

AIMS AND METHOD We conducted the first systematic territory-wide survey of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) practice and utilisation in Hong Kong. All public ECT services were evaluated with a postal questionnaire, a visit and observations of ECT administration. All private ECT practitioners were surveyed using a postal questionnaire. RESULTS Most practice areas at the public ECT services in Hong Kong complied with College guidelines. However, a few private practitioners were still using outdated ECT machines. The number of ECT courses completed in 1998 was 0.34 per 10 000 population, which was much lower than the rate of ECT use in Western countries. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS We obtained basic information on ECT services in Hong Kong and on areas requiring immediate attention.