Opinion, Use and Knowledge About Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Spain: A National Survey of Mental Health Professionals

Autores de IIS La Fe

• 

  Pilar Sierra San Miguel

  Autor

• Yolanda Cañada Pérez

  Autor

• Pilar Benavent Rodriguez

  Autor

• Ana Sabater Ferragut

  Autor

• Josep Ribes Cuenca

  Autor

• Lorenzo Livianos Aldana

  Autor

• 

  Ana Cristina García Blanco

  Autor

Grupos

• Investigación en Salud Mental

Abstract

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method of neuromodulation with heterogeneous usage between countries, which may be potentially influenced by healthcare professionals' opinions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, acceptability, and attitudes of mental health professionals in Spain towards TMS. A cross-sectional multicentric study was conducted using an online survey, with 219 participants including psychiatrists, psychologists, and residents. Nearly 100% of participants correctly answered theoretical aspects related to the rationale and indications of TMS. Although only 55% considered TMS effective, 80% would refer patients if TMS were available at their workplace, and 74% would undergo TMS if experiencing depression. 85% believed neuromodulation training should be increased in residency, and 73% demanded TMS inclusion in public hospitals. Teaching staff and psychologists defined TMS as a last resort (p = 0.03 and 0.045). Both disagreed on its ease of use (p < 0.001) and patient referral (p = 0.01), considering an impact on the therapeutic bond (p = 0.029). Previous TMS training, clinical experience, or availability of TMS at the workplace, were associated with better knowledge, a higher perception of efficacy and utility in treating resistant patients (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, surveyed mental health professionals in Spain demonstrated good knowledge of the technique and positive opinions regarding its utility. Findings emphasized limited clinical experience of the sample, a call for training programs, and the demand for the inclusion of TMS in the portfolio of Spanish public hospitals.

Keywords

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Professionals; Opinion; Attitudes; Knowledge