A practical guide to setting up a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) service.
OBJECTIVE
This paper outlines the process of developing a transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) service in a private hospital setting, to provide a model for similar services elsewhere in Australia and New Zealand.


METHODS
The practical issues involved in setting up the service, including funding, staffing, equipment, treatment protocols and associated research, are described.


RESULTS
The service has been widely accepted by psychiatrists and patients. Forty-five patients have completed treatment and the research results show a significant clinical response to rTMS.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians involved in the service have found both the clinical and research components rewarding. In the longer term, the issue of ongoing funding of rTMS services remains to be resolved.
Galletly
Cherrie
C
Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia. cherrie.galletly@adelaide.edu.au
Fitzgerald
Paul
P
Clarke
Patrick
P
Gill
Shane
S
Burton
Cassandra
C
Turnbull
Carol
C
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D016304:Hospitals, Private; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000078329:Workforce