‘If only I had known’: How to reduce the risks of living with Epilepsy

International Conference on Epilepsy & Treatment

September 21-22, 2015 Baltimore, USA

W Henry Smithson

National University of Ireland, Ireland

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Neurol Disord

Abstract :

Epilepsy can be a risky business but the risks can be reduced if patient and professional work together to agree a treatment plan for their epilepsy. Patient centered care is not a new concept, but is difficult to adopt in a busy clinical setting and so patient�s attitudes and concerns are rarely discussed during a consultation. As a result, we know that up to 50% of prescribed epilepsy medicine is not taken as prescribed and that risky decisions are taken by people with epilepsy that leads to poor seizure control and even sudden death. Firstly, to summarize the findings of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Clinical Guidance on Shared Decision Making and Medicines Adherence; then to describe the work done in family practice in the UK about identifying people with epilepsy at risk of non-adherent behavior, including key questions and use of a medicines possession calculation; and finally to summarize the qualitative data drawn from families who reported epilepsy related death to the Epilepsy Deaths Register. The presentation will conclude by offering recommendations for practice to foster enhanced self-management of epilepsy.

Biography :

Email: henry.smithson@ucc.ie