Self-management interventions in pediatric epilepsy: What is the level of evidence?

Effect of a physical exercise program supported by wearable technology in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

to investigate the effects of a physical exercise (PE) program, supported by wearable technology (WT), in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE).

METHODS

29 children with DRE were randomized to experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups. To encourage PE, the EG performed one hour of aerobic activity three days a week for six months, outside the school setting. Compliance was monitored using activity wristbands, with data reported weekly by parents. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), seizure frequency, physical activity (PA), physical fitness (musculoskeletal, motor, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness), and body composition, were assessed at baseline, at three and six months.

RESULTS

Seizure frequency in the last six months evolved from 10.5 seizures/week at baseline, to 4.5 at the end of the study in the EG, and from 5.2 seizures/week to one in the CG. Significant differences were found in weekly hours-PE (η2= 0.49); motor fitness (η2= 0.08); Cardiorespiratory Fitness (η2= 0.19); weight (η2= 0.003); Triceps skinfold thickness (η2= 0.05); lower limb muscular strength (η2= 0.03); HRQoL (η2= 0.02); and PA (η2= 0.22). Post-hoc ANOVA revealed that EG improved significantly (p < 0.05) between baseline and six months. Negative correlations were observed between PA and seizure frequency.

CONCLUSION

Supported by WT, children with DRE increased the weekly hours of PE at three and six months, with no increase in seizure frequency. Our study provides evidence of the effectiveness of PE for improving HRQoL.

Barriers and facilitators of nurse-led self-management support for adolescents with epilepsy: A mixed-methods study in transition preparation

Aims

To gain insight into the readiness for evidence-based practice of self-management support during transition for adolescents with epilepsy among pediatric nurses, and to explore the promoting and hindering factors.

Design

A mixed-methods design with an explanatory sequential approach was employed.

Setting

Three specialty children's hospitals in southwest regions of China.

Methods

In phase 1, a total of 126 participants were included in the Survey of Clinical Readiness of Evidence-Based Nursing Assessment (CREBNA) from Dec 2022 to Feb 2023. Total scale and subscale scores were calculated. In phase 2, we developed the interview outline based on the analysis of the quantitative results. In-depth interviews (n = 15) were conducted from Feb 2023 to Apr 2023 to explain and supplement the quantitative phase results.

Results

The total score of CREBNA indicated that teams have good readiness and capacity for implementation of evidence-based nursing practice Compared with the norm. The scores of the three subscales of evidence factors, organizational environment, and promoting factors were normal. In subsequent interviews and integration, we extracted four themes based on the Knowledge-To-Action (KTA) framework: 1. organization barriers (incentive mechanism, interdisciplinary cooperation process, information aids); 2. operational barriers (Exemplary evidence-based practice, time pressure, gaps in patient and family understanding of evidence); 3. individual-level barriers (evidence-based and professional knowledge reserve, professional autonomy, shared decision-making roles, dependence on habitual clinical behaviors); and 4. facilitating factors (leadership commitment, self-management identity, transition service needs, patient- and family-centered care culture). A conceptual model was constructed based on the KTA.

Conclusion

It is feasible to carry out evidence-based practice of nurse-led self-management support in transition preparation. Nursing researchers and managers should carry out knowledge selection and tailoring based on barriers at the organizational, operational, and individual levels to promote favorable factors and improve the smooth transition of adolescents with chronic diseases.

Effect of Mobile Health Applications on Improving Self-Management Knowledge and Seizure Control in Epilepsy Patients: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVES

Mobile health app-based interventions are increasingly being developed to support chronic disease management, particularly for epilepsy patients. These interventions focus on managing stress, monitoring drug side effects, providing education, and promoting adherence to medication regimens. Therefore, this scoping review aims to assess how mobile health applications improve epilepsy patients' knowledge and seizure control, and to identify the features of these apps that are frequently used and have proven to be beneficial.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted using scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar, adhering to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. The review framework consisted of five steps: identifying research questions, finding relevant articles, selecting articles, presenting data, and compiling the results. The literature search included all original articles published in English from 2013 to 2023.

RESULTS

Among six articles that discussed mobile applications for epilepsy patients, all featured similar functionalities, including education on epilepsy management and seizure monitoring. Four of the articles highlighted behavioral interventions, such as reminder systems, designed to improve medication adherence. The remaining two articles focused on a side-effect reporting system that enabled doctors or health workers to evaluate and regularly monitor adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review reveals that mobile health applications employing a combination of educational and behavioral interventions for epilepsy patients significantly improve knowledge about patient self-management and medication adherence. These interventions can prevent seizures, increase awareness, enable better activity planning, improve safety, and reduce the frequency of seizures and side effects of antiepileptic drugs.

Feasibility of mobile phone application "Epilepsy care" for self-management of children and adolescents with epilepsy in Phramongkutklao hospital: A randomized controlled trial

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children. Mobile applications have shown potential in improving self-management for patients with chronic illnesses. To address language barriers, we developed the first Thai version of the "Epilepsy care" mobile application for children and adolescents with epilepsy in Thailand. A prospective, randomized controlled trial with 220 children and adolescents living with epilepsy who had a smartphone and were treated at the pediatric neurology clinic was conducted, with one group using the mobile application and the other receiving standard epilepsy guidance. The primary outcome assessed epilepsy self-management using the Pediatric Epilepsy Self-Management Questionnaire (PEMSQ) in the Thai version, which comprised 27 questions. These questions aimed to determine knowledge, adherence to medications, beliefs about medication efficacy, and barriers to medication adherence. The secondary outcome evaluated seizure frequency at baseline, 3, and 6 months after initiation of an application. Eighty-five participants who were randomized to a mobile application achieved significantly higher PEMSQ scores in the domain of barriers to medication adherence (p < 0.05) at 6 months follow-up. Other domains of PEMSQ showed no statistically significant difference. Baseline median seizure frequencies per month were 7 in the control group and 5.5 in the intervention group. At 3 and 6 months, these decreased significantly to 1.5 and 1 for the control group and 2.5 and 1 for the intervention group (p < 0.001). In addition, the study revealed that 94.9 % of the participants in a mobile application group were highly satisfied with using application. These findings suggest that the mobile application "Epilepsy care" may serve as an effective adjunctive therapy to enhance self-management and seizure control in children and adolescents with epilepsy.

Self-management strategies for people with epilepsy: An overview of reviews

OBJECTIVE

This overview of systematic reviews aimed to appraise evidence regarding self-management strategies on health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, medication compliance, seizure status and psychosocial outcomes compared to usual care for people with epilepsy.

METHODS

Databases were searched until September 2022 using MeSH terms included OVID Medline, Embase and Cochrane. Following application of eligibility criteria, data were extracted and quality of articles was assessed using the AMSTAR2 checklist. A narrative synthesis of evidence included certainty of evidence evaluated using a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

The 12 selected reviews contained three meta-analyses and 91 unique primary studies. One review considered only epilepsy with intellectual disability and three considered paediatrics. Interventions included technologically-based interventions, small group discussion, or counselling and educational programs. There was high certainty evidence to suggest self-management is associated with improvement in health-related quality of life and moderate certainty evidence to suggest improvement in depression symptoms. There was low certainty evidence to suggest a modest reduction in negative health events and a minimal increase in the satisfaction with life. There was no evidence of benefit favouring self-management on measures of adherence epilepsy self-management, perception of self-efficacy, medication adherence or seizure status.

SIGNIFICANCE

Despite high certainty evidence to suggest that self-management strategies for people with epilepsy improve health-related quality of life, benefits have not been demonstrated for outcomes that would be expected to be associated with these improvements, such as seizure status. These results provide support for self-management strategies to supplement usual care for people with epilepsy.

Behavioral Dilemmas and Support Requirements of Self-Management for Chinese Adolescents with Epilepsy During Transition Readiness: A Mixed-Methods Study

Objective

The study aimed to describe and explore the behavioral dilemmas and support-requirement characteristics of self-management for epileptic adolescents during transition readiness.

Methods

A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted. Patients (N=654) in eight hospitals in China completed a demographic and disease characteristics questionnaire and measures of epilepsy transition readiness, self-management of epilepsy, and perceived social support, and 17 patients and family care-givers were interviewed simultaneously.

Results

Adolescents with epilepsy (AWEs) had low levels of self-management and transition readiness, and moderate levels of social support. Multivariate linear regression showed that age, antiepileptic drug type, comorbidities, family structure, transition readiness, and social support were statistically significant in the regression model (p<0.05). Seven themes emerged in the qualitative analysis related to self-management behavioral dilemmas, and 11 themes emerged for support requirements. The findings from the qualitative and quantitative analyses were combined to create a conceptual model based on the SMART framework and the social cognitive theory.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the state of self-management behaviors of Chinese AWEs is not promising. The influential factors and characteristics are complex and systematic.

Practice Implications

This study provides insights into the self-management practices of AWEs in China and expands previous self-management and transitional readiness strategies and models.

Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention on Status Epilepticus Among the Caregivers of Children With Epilepsy: An Interventional Study

Background Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most common and well-known neurological emergencies in pediatrics, especially among kids under two years of age. Early identification and treatment are crucial in the prevention of neurological complications and morbidities. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention about SE among caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy. Methodology This interventional study was conducted among a convenient sample of 206 caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy in King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2020 to July 2021. We included patients who were aged 14 years or less and received rescue medication prescriptions in 2020. The educational intervention was applied to caregivers, and knowledge was compared before and after the intervention. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized. Results The mean (±SD) age of children was 7.5 (±3.7) years. The mean (±SD) age of caregivers was 36.4 (±6.1) years. About 51.5% of the children were males. The majority of caregivers were mothers (89.8%). The mean (±SD) score of total knowledge was 12.3/20 (±2.6) before the intervention which increased to 15.7/20 (±3.1) after the intervention, and the difference was found to be statically significant (p = 0.001). This indicates that the educational intervention was effective. Conclusions The educational intervention administered in this study significantly improved the knowledge of caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy and can help in providing better care to the patients.

Chinese families' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding seizure management for children with epilepsy: a mixed-methods study

Objective

This study aimed to examine Chinese families' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the management of acute seizures (AS) that occur outside the hospital in children with epilepsy (CWE) and factors that influence AS.

Design

A mixed-methods sequential explanatory study was conducted, which was integrated at the design and methods levels. In phase 1, a questionnaire was developed for this study, and a family functioning assessment was administered from Nov 2021 to Apr 2022. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and factors that influence AS. In phase 2, family caregivers (FCGs) were recruited from Jul to Aug 2022 to participate in a qualitative exploration, using semi-structured interviews and a combination of inductive and deductive methods.

Setting

The setting was five children's specialty hospitals in different regions of China.

Participants

The participants were FCGs of CWE. A total of 645 participants were included in the quantitative phase, and 15 FCGs (eight parents, five grandparents, and two others) were recruited for the qualitative phase.

Results

The FCGs' average total KAP score for AS management was 66.23 ± 15.12, with 45.42% of FCGs having a low level. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that demographic factors, disease characteristics, and family function significantly predicted family management of AS. The three most salient themes and eight sub-themes from phase 2 were explored. The quantitative and qualitative databases were analyzed separately and combined through integration, and a conceptual model was constructed based on the individual and family self-management theory (IFSMT); the model consisted of context, knowledge, self-regulation, and promotion factors.

Conclusion

Chinese families have a positive attitude toward the management of out-of-hospital AS in CWE, but lack practice and related knowledge. AS management for CWE families was associated with the demographic characteristics of FCGs, epilepsy, and family characteristics. The research findings expand the existing application requirements of an Acute Seizure Action Plan and patient safety. Our results also indicate a pressing need for localized development of AS emergency medicine in family medicine, the establishment of auxiliary information systems, the utilization of caregivers' positive psychological resources, and improvements in family function for intergenerational care.

Predictors of objective treatment adherence in adolescents with epilepsy: The important role of motivation

OBJECTIVE

Adolescents with epilepsy are at heightened risk for suboptimal anti-seizure medication (ASM) adherence; however, there is a paucity of adherence interventions for this age group. The current study aimed to identify a comprehensive and novel set of predictors of objective, electronically-monitored ASM adherence in adolescents with epilepsy.

METHODS

Participants included 104 adolescents (13-17 years old; M = 15.36 ± 1.40), diagnosed with epilepsy and their caregivers. Cross-sectional data were collected from adolescents, caregivers, healthcare providers, and medical chart reviews, including demographics (i.e., age, race/ethnicity, sex, insurance status), the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., participation before versus during), seizure characteristics (i.e., presence and severity), ASM side effects (Pediatric Epilepsy Side Effects Questionnaire), adherence motivation (1-item 6-point Likert scale item), and adherence barriers (Pediatric Epilepsy Medication Self-Management Questionnaire). Electronically-monitored adherence data was collected via the AdhereTechTM pill bottle or the Vaica SimpleMedTM pillbox over 30 days.

RESULTS

Adolescents demonstrated suboptimal adherence at 78 ± 31.6%, despite high ASM adherence motivation (M = 4.43 ± .94) and minimal adherence barriers (M = 35.64 ± 3.78). Hierarchical multiple regression, which included non-modifiable sociodemographic and medical variables (Block 1) and behaviorally modifiable psychosocial variables (Block 2) was significant, F(12,87) = 3.69, p < .001. Specifically, having private insurance (versus Medicaid or public insurance; t = -2.11, p = .038) and higher adherence motivation (t = 2.91, p = .005) predicted higher objective ASM adherence.

CONCLUSION

Routine assessment of adherence predictors is vital for the promotion of adherence among adolescents with epilepsy. Adolescent adherence motivation may be an important element of multi-component interventions focused on improving ASM adherence in adolescents with epilepsy.

Key Predictors of the Need for a Family-Focused Pediatric Epilepsy Adherence Intervention

OBJECTIVE

Nonadherence to anti-seizure drugs (ASMs) is a significant problem in pediatric epilepsy and is linked to increased morbidity, mortality, clinically unnecessary medication changes, and increased healthcare costs. Family interventions can improve adherence. However, it is challenging to know which families will struggle with nonadherence and require intervention. This study aims to identify specific parent, family, child, and medical factors that predict which families most need family-based adherence interventions.

METHODS

Families enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of a family-based adherence intervention completed measures assessing parent, family, child, and medical factors. Families also used an electronic adherence monitor. Adherence >95% was considered high adherence (not requiring intervention) and <95% was considered suboptimal adherence (requiring intervention). We conducted a stepwise logistic regression to assess demographic, medical, child, family, and parent predictors of membership to the suboptimal adherence group.

RESULTS

Of the 200 families of children with new-onset epilepsy who enrolled, 177 families completed the study. Of these families, 121 (68%) were in the high adherence group and 56 (32%) were in the suboptimal adherence group. Families with lower SES, children of color, lower general family functioning, and more parent distress were more likely to be in the suboptimal adherence group.

SIGNIFICANCE

We identified that parent and family factors, as well as sociodemographic characteristics predicted membership in the suboptimal adherence group. It is critical to find creative and practical solutions to assessing and intervening upon key adherence predictors. These may include streamlined screening for parental distress and family functioning, as well as recognition that families of lower SES and communities of color may be at heightened risk for suboptimal adherence.

Mediating effects of coping styles on the relationship between family resilience and self-care status of adolescents with epilepsy transitioning to adult healthcare: A cross-sectional study in China

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the relationship between family resilience, coping styles, and self-care among Chinese adolescents with epilepsy.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 1238 adolescents with epilepsy in nine tertiary hospitals in China participated in a cross-sectional survey conducted from May 2018 to March 2020. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the mediating effect.

RESULTS

The total scores for family resilience and coping styles were positively correlated with the total self-care status score of adolescents with epilepsy during their transition (r = 0.209, 0.202, P < 0.01). Family resilience was positively correlated with coping style (r = 0.450, P < 0.01). The modified model's fit index included χ²/df = 1.970, P = 0.001, RMSEA = 0.054, TLI = 0.973, CFI = 0.978, GFI = 0.941, AGFI = 0.917, NFI = 0.956, and IFI = 0.978. The confidence interval (CI) was 0.004-0.140 for the indirect effect and 0.033-0.306 for the direct effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The self-care status of adolescents with epilepsy during the transitional period is closely related to coping style and family resilience. Coping style mediates family resilience and self-care status.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare teams should pay attention to the coping ability of adolescents with epilepsy to help them transition smoothly and to improve family functioning. This study provides a theoretical basis for establishing transitional care programs for adolescents with chronic illnesses. The significant mediating effect of coping style should be emphasized in modalities of healthcare that include patient participation.

A qualitative study of epilepsy self-management barriers and facilitators in Black children and caregivers in Arkansas

OBJECTIVES

To identify facilitators and barriers of epilepsy self-management practices among Black children and caregivers.

METHODS

Qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 child-caregiver dyads (11 children with epilepsy and 11 caregivers). A deductive-inductive analysis was undertaken to describe the range of barriers and facilitators significant to participants.

RESULTS

The barriers and facilitators were classified into 3 management themes: epilepsy-specific knowledge and information, treatment, and lifestyle. Within these themes, several important subthemes were identified. Two subthemes related to knowledge barriers emerged: children and caregivers' limited understanding and retention of complex written and spoken information and variable training and confidence in seizure first-aid. In contrast, facilitators for introducing and encouraging access to epilepsy self-management concepts were participants' eagerness to learn about this topic and a keen interest in using educational materials enriched with visual aids on a phone platform as an adjunct to in-person education. The second theme revealed various practical barriers to optimum treatment adherence, including mistrust of the healthcare system. In comparison, caregivers' collaborative approach and innovative strategies were identified as facilitators for treatment adherence. Finally, the lifestyle management barriers included a lack of defined processes to adopt healthy behaviors and challenges with disclosing epilepsy. Facilitators of this theme were comprised of building a team around the child to foster wellbeing and making healthy habits a fun and joyful experience for children.

DISCUSSION

Qualitative evidence in this study highlights caregivers' mistrust in the healthcare system and the lack of community support. Culturally competent interventions may improve access to and quality and utilization of self-management programs in Black children and families while reducing disparities.

Associations between 24-hour movement guideline adherence and mental health disorders among young people with active and inactive epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

(1) Examine 24-hour movement guideline adherence among young people with active and inactive epilepsy compared to population norms. (2) Investigate associations between 24-hour movement guideline adherence and mental health disorders among these subpopulations.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the 2016 to 2019 cycles of the National Survey of Children's Health were used. Parental/caregiver reports of movement behaviors (physical activity, screen time, sleep, and sport participation) were used to determine adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines and associations with mental health disorders for young people with active (n = 663) and inactive epilepsy (n = 526) as well as population norms (n = 49,067) between 6 and 17 years old. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Young people with active epilepsy were less likely to meet the 24-hour movement guidelines than population norms, largely driven by below average levels of physical activity guideline adherence. Sport participation was lower among both young people with active and inactive epilepsy; seizure severity and health-related limitations played an influential role. Beneficial associations were generally observed between 24-hour movement guideline adherence and mental health disorders, although for young people with active and inactive epilepsy, there was considerable variability among these relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

Further dissemination of the International League Against Epilepsy's Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy report can help improve promotion of physical activity and sport participation among young people with active and inactive epilepsy. The relationship between 24-hour movement guideline adherence and mental health disorders is complex among young people with epilepsy and longitudinal research is needed to determine causal links.

Impact of mobile health application on data collection and self-management of epilepsy

Recent advances in mobile health have enabled health data collection, which includes seizure and medication tracking and epilepsy self-management. We developed a mobile epilepsy management application, integrated with a hospital electronic health record (EHR). In this prospective clinical trial, we assessed whether the mobile application provides quality healthcare data compared to conventional clinic visits, and enhances epilepsy self-management for patients with epilepsy. The study population includes patients with epilepsy (ages 15 years and older) and caregivers for children with epilepsy. Participants were provided access to the application for 90 days. We compared healthcare data collected from the mobile application with data obtained from clinic visits. The healthcare data included seizure records, seizure triggering factors, medication adherence rate, profiles of adverse events resulting from anti-seizure medication (ASM), and comorbidity screenings. In addition, we conducted baseline and follow-up questionnaires after the 90-day period to evaluate how this mobile application improved epilepsy knowledge and self-efficacy in seizure management. Data of 99 participants (18 patients with epilepsy and 81 caregivers) were analyzed. Among 24 individuals who had seizures, we obtained detailed seizure records from 13 individuals through clinic visits and for 18 from the application. Aside from the 6 individuals who reported their medication adherence during clinic visitation, half of the study participants had adherence rates of over 70%, as monitored through the application. However, the adherence rates were not reliable due to high variability. Twenty-three individuals reported 59 adverse reactions on the application, whereas 21 individuals reported 24 adverse reactions during clinic visits. We collected comorbidity data from 4 individuals during clinic visits. In comparison, 64 participants underwent comorbidity self-screening on the application, and 2 of them were referred to neuropsychiatric services. Compared to rare/non-users, app users demonstrated significant improvement in epilepsy knowledge score (p < 0.001) and self-efficacy score (p = 0.038). In conclusion, mobile health technology would help patients and caregivers to record their healthcare data and aid in self-management. Mobile health technology would provide an influential clinical validity in epilepsy care when users engage and actively maintain records on the application.

Modifiable factors related to transition readiness in adolescents and young adults with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

To characterize transition readiness in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with epilepsy and validate the social-ecological model of AYA readiness to transition (SMART) in a sample of AYAs with epilepsy.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included typically developing youth with epilepsy 13-25 years old seen in a comprehensive epilepsy center. Adolescents and young adults completed measures of transition readiness (Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire; TRAQ), epilepsy knowledge, epilepsy self-management, developmental factors, and emotional and behavioral functioning. Adolescents and young adults also completed a measure of their relationship quality with healthcare providers. Caregiver report was included when available.

RESULTS

Participants included 82 AYAs (M_age = 17.3 ± 2.8; 86.6% White Non-Hispanic, 53.7% females) with epilepsy. Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire scores (M = 3.33, SD = 0.86) were correlated with modifiable and non-modifiable factors: age (r = 0.66, p < 0.001), income (r = -0.23, p = 0.04), AYA cognitive problems (r = 0.24, p = 0.03), AYA knowledge (r = 0.31, p = 0.005), AYA expectations (r = 0.26, p ≤ 02), AYA inattention (r = -0.24, p = 0.03), AYA executive dysfunction (r = 0.25, p = 0.02), caregiver-reported AYA odd behaviors (r = -0.25, p = 0.036), and caregiver-reported AYA communication problems (r = 0.25, p = 0.04). Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire scores were higher in AYAs who had seen adult providers for general healthcare issues (e.g., primary care), but were not related to other demographic (e.g., minority status, insurance), medical (years since diagnosis, type of epilepsy, polytherapy, seizure frequency), developmental (e.g., adaptive skills, cognitive functioning) or emotional/behavioral factors (e.g., skills, relationship with the provider, psychosocial functioning). Linear regression including variables significantly correlated with the outcome of transition readiness (F (7, 59) = 9.70, p < 0.001) explained 54% of the variance. Specifically, age was the only significant model predictor.

SIGNIFICANCE

Transition readiness in AYAs with epilepsy was predicted by non-modifiable (e.g., age) and correlated with modifiable factors (e.g., knowledge, psychosocial/cognitive functioning). Providers must better prepare patients prior to transfer, and future research should use an epilepsy-specific measure of transition readiness to identify targets for intervention.

Psychiatric Comorbidities in Pediatric Epilepsy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Psychiatric comorbidities are close to 5-times higher in children and youth with epilepsy (CYE) compared to general population. With epilepsy being one of the most common neurological disorders in children, we provide a timely review of psychiatric issues in CYE.

RECENT FINDINGS

A meta-analysis found a pooled prevalence of anxiety in 18.9% and depression in 13.5% of CYE. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is 2.5 to 5.5 times higher in CYE compared to healthy counterparts. Recent evidence highlights that behavioral adverse effects may lead to discontinuation of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) in more than 10% of CYE. Up to 70% CYE shows elevation in baseline psychological symptoms after AED initiation. Identifying psychiatric symptoms can be easily accomplished by the routine use of psychiatric screening instruments in CYE clinics, which is associated with improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Psychoeducation is a key component for any visit with CYE. There is some evidence of the effectiveness of behavioral psychological interventions for CYE. There are no therapeutic trials of psychotropics in CYE, but treatment recommendations based on the experience in adults with epilepsy and general population are applicable. Early diagnosis and management of psychiatric comorbidities leads to improvement in HRQOL of CYE. This requires routine screening and a multidisciplinary teamwork.

User Preferences for the Design of a Mobile Health System to Support Transition-Age Youth With Epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Transition-age youth with epilepsy (TAYWE) experience poor self management and adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to gain the perspectives of TAYWE, their caregivers, and clinicians to inform the design of a mobile health (mHealth) system to support the self-management needs of TAYWE.

METHODS

Individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with TAYWE, their caregivers, and clinicians who manage their care.

RESULTS

Sixteen TAYWE and seven caregivers participated in focus group sessions, and four clinicians were interviewed. Participants expressed the need for an mHealth system that addressed privacy, supervision of caregiver involvement, a user-friendly system design, and motivation to sustain ongoing use. Three themes evolved: current mobile app use, mHealth systems features and functions, and implementation concerns.

DISCUSSION

Data from this study informs the design of an mHealth system to support self-management in TAYWE and identifies important areas for practitioners to address when providing health care to TAYWE.

How do pediatric patients perceive adverse drug events of anticonvulsant drugs? A survey

Anticonvulsant drugs have a high risk of adverse drug events. Little is known about the perception of those events by pediatric patients. We performed a survey in the neuropediatric departments of two university hospitals. Using a questionnaire, we interviewed patients aged 6-18 years with current anticonvulsant treatment regarding (i) their fears about potential adverse drug events, (ii) experienced adverse drug events, and (iii) perceived burden of experienced adverse drug events. One hundred patients took part in the interview. (i) 40 (40%) expressed fears that the medication could harm them. Eighteen of 40 (45%) named fears concerning specific adverse drug events. Of those, 12/18 (67%) feared neurologic or psychiatric symptoms. (ii) 37 (37%) of children described altogether 60 experienced adverse drug events. Of those, 38 (63%) concerned neurologic or psychiatric symptoms. (iii) 32/37 (82%) children who experienced adverse drug events felt bothered by the experienced event. Among others, they described an emotional burden (11/37, 30%), and restrictions in school performance (8/37, 22%) and favorite leisure activities (4/37, 11%).Conclusion: School-aged children are well able to describe adverse drug events of their anticonvulsant medication. Almost two thirds of the described events concern neurologic or psychiatric symptoms that cause an emotional burden and restrictions according to the patients. What is Known: • Anticonvulsants have a high potential of adverse drug events. • In an earlier survey, parents expressed fears of severe adverse drug events such as liver failure, which seldom occur, and reported a high number of neurological and psychological adverse drug events. What is New: • Many children fear that their anticonvulsants could harm them, and they fear and experience neurological and psychological adverse drug events. • According to the children, adverse drug events cause an emotional burden and restrictions in school performance and favorite leisure activities.

Medical Risk and Resilience in Adolescents and Young Adults With Epilepsy: The Role of Self-Management Self-Efficacy

Objective

Medical factors that put adolescents and young adults (AYA) with epilepsy at risk for poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are well-established. Less known is whether medical risk is associated with decreases in global psychological well-being and how self-management self-efficacy might contribute to resilience. The current study seeks to (a) examine the relationship between medical risk and both HRQOL and psychological well-being in AYA with epilepsy and (b) investigate the potential moderating role of self-management self-efficacy.

Methods

A sample of 180 AYA with epilepsy, aged 13–24 years, was recruited from clinic and community settings and completed questionnaires. A medical risk gradient composed of seizure frequency, antiepileptic drugs, and other health problems was created. HRQOL, psychological well-being, and self-management self-efficacy were assessed.

Results

Medical risk was negatively associated with HRQOL, such that youth with greater risk scores reported lower HRQOL (r = −0.35, p < .01). However, there was no significant relationship between medical risk and psychological well-being (r = −0.08, p = .31). Self-efficacy was positively correlated with HRQOL and well-being (r = 0.50, p < .01; r = 0.48, p < .01). A moderation effect was detected, such that the positive effect of self-efficacy on HRQOL differed across medical risk levels.

Implications

Cultivating psychological strengths, as opposed to solely addressing medical problems, may be a promising intervention target when treating AYA with epilepsy, including those navigating healthcare transitions. Self-efficacy predicted HRQOL at most levels of risk, suggesting an important modifiable intrinsic factor that may promote resilience.

Psychological interventions for epilepsy: How good are trialists at assessing their implementation fidelity, what are the barriers, and what are journals doing to encourage it? A mixed methods study

INTRODUCTION

Psychological interventions hold promise for the epilepsy population and continue to be trialed to determine their efficacy. Such interventions present opportunities for variance in delivery. Therefore, to accurately interpret a trial's estimate of effect, information on implementation fidelity (IF) is required. We present a novel 3-part study. Part 1 systematically rated trials for the extent to which they reported assessing whether the intervention was delivered as intended (adherence) and with what sort of skill (competence). Part 2 identified barriers to reporting and assessing on fidelity perceived by trialists. Part 3 determined what journals publishing epilepsy trials are doing to support IFs reporting.

METHODS

Articles for 50 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)/quasi-RCTs of psychological interventions identified by Cochrane searches were rated using the Psychotherapy Outcome Study Methodology Rating Form's fidelity items. The 45 corresponding authors for the 50 trials were invited to complete the 'Barriers to Treatment Integrity Implementation Survey'. 'Instructions to Authors' for the 17 journals publishing the trials were reviewed for endorsement of popular reporting guidelines which refer to fidelity (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement or Journal Article Reporting Standards [JARS]) and asked how they enforced compliance.

RESULTS

Part 1: 15 (30%) trials reported assessing for adherence, but only 2 (4.3%) gave the result. Four (8.5%) reported assessing for competence, 1 (2.1%) gave the result. Part 2: 22 trialists - mostly chief investigators - responded. They identified 'lack of theory and specific guidelines on treatment integrity procedures', 'time, cost, and labor demands', and 'lack of editorial requirement' as "strong barriers". Part 3: Most (15, 88.2%) journals endorsed CONSORT or JARS, but only 5 enforced compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Most trials of psychological interventions for epilepsy are not reported in a transparent way when it comes to IF. The barriers' trialists identify for this do not appear insurmountable. Addressing them could ultimately help the field to better understand how best to support the population with epilepsy.

Can behavioral strategies increase physical activity and influence depressive symptoms and quality of life among children with epilepsy? Results of a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This study examined whether increasing physical activity (PA) through 6 months of behavioral counseling positively influenced depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) over 12 months among children with epilepsy (CWE).

METHODS

A longitudinal multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 8-14-year-old children with active epilepsy. Participants wore a pedometer to track daily PA and completed 3 measures at 4 time points to examine depressive symptoms and QoL. Stratified by site and activity level, participants were randomized to an intervention or control group. The 6-month intervention included 11 behavioral counseling sessions targeting self-regulation of PA. To assess the associations among PA, depression scores, and QoL, primary analysis involved mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

We recruited 122 CWE, of whom 115 were randomized (M_age = 11 ± 2; 50% female) and included in the analysis. The intervention did not increase PA in the treatment compared with the control group. No differences were found between groups over time during the subsequent 6 months, where PA decreased among all participants. Results did not show differences between the groups and over time for measures of depressive symptoms and QoL.

SIGNIFICANCE

The intervention did not improve or sustain PA levels over 12 months. Both groups demonstrated declines in PA over one year, but there were no changes in depression scores or QoL. As most participants were already nearly reaching the Canadian average of step counts of children their age, with a baseline daily step count of over 9000, there may be a challenge for further increasing PA over a longer period.

Medication self-management and the quality of discharge education among parents of children with epilepsy

INTRODUCTION

Medication self-management is critical among children with epilepsy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the perceptions regarding the quality of discharge education among parents of children with epilepsy. In addition, we assessed the impact of their perceptions on medication self-management. The quality of discharge education was assessed in two parts: content and delivery. The quality of delivery was defined as the manner in which nurses teach the content regarding hospital discharge.

METHODS

Forty-seven parents of children with epilepsy completed the questionnaires regarding demographics, the quality of discharge education, and medication self-management (the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale and the Pediatric Epilepsy Medication Self-Management Questionnaire).

RESULTS

Parent-reported quality of discharge education was positively correlated with medication self-management (r = 0.305; p = .037). Parent-reported quality of delivery, but not the amount of content, was positively correlated with medication self-management (r = 0.347; p = .017).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that efforts to improve medication self-management among children with epilepsy should include strategies to develop teaching skills among nurses delivering the discharge education.

Skills for Growing Up-Epilepsy: An exploratory mixed methods study into a communication tool to promote autonomy and empowerment of youth with epilepsy

INTRODUCTION

The consequences of having epilepsy seriously hamper the development of autonomy for youth with epilepsy (YWE) and limit their social participation. This study was designed to provide insight into the impact of epilepsy on autonomy and empowerment and to evaluate the use of the Skills for Growing Up (SGU-Epilepsy) communication tool in pediatric epileptic care.

METHODS

A mixed methods design was used to examine the impact of epilepsy on autonomy and empowerment and to evaluate the feasibility and use of the SGU-Epilepsy. Six focus groups with YWE and their parents were organized (N = 27), and the benefits of the SGU-Epilepsy were evaluated (N = 72).

RESULTS

Youth with epilepsy struggled with social participation. Beliefs of YWE and their parents on managing daily life and taking medication were not always similar. Parents worried about the passive attitude of YWE, but autonomy of YWE seemed to be constrained by parents. The SGU-Epilepsy seemed to be feasible. It facilitated the communication on development and empowerment although it was sometimes confronting for parents. Not all YWE were motivated to use and discuss the tool. In the evaluation, no differences in perceived autonomy and empowerment between YWE who used SGU-Epilepsy and received usual care appeared.

CONCLUSION

On the short-term, a beneficial effect of using the SGU-Epilepsy on autonomy and empowerment for YWE and their parents was not shown. The SGU-Epilepsy seemed to be a feasible instrument, however, to address nonmedical issues during pediatric consultations.

Psychological treatments for adults and children with epilepsy: Evidence-based recommendations by the International League Against Epilepsy Psychology Task Force

Given the significant impact that psychosocial factors and epilepsy treatments can have on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of individuals with epilepsy and their families, there is great clinical interest in the role of psychological evaluation and treatments to improve HRQOL and comorbidities. Therefore, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) charged the Psychology Task Force with the development of recommendations for clinical care based on evaluation of the evidence from their recent Cochrane review of psychological treatments in individuals with epilepsy. The literature search for a recent Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials investigating psychological treatments for individuals with epilepsy constitutes the key source of evidence for this article. To provide practical guidance to service providers, we provide ratings on study research designs based on (1) the American Academy of Neurology's Level of Evidence system and (2) the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. This paper is the culmination of an international collaboration process involving pediatric and adult psychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychiatrists. The process and conclusions were reviewed and approved by the ILAE Executive Committee. The strongest evidence for psychological interventions was identified for the most common mental health problems, including depression, neurocognitive disturbances, and medication adherence. Psychological interventions targeting the enhancement of HRQOL and adherence and a decrease in comorbidity symptoms (anxiety, depression) should be incorporated into comprehensive epilepsy care. There is a range of psychological strategies (ie, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies) that show promise for improving the lives of persons with epilepsy, and clinical recommendations are provided to assist epilepsy health care providers in treating the comorbidities and challenges associated with epilepsy and its treatments.

A review of mobile apps for epilepsy self-management

Mobile health app developers increasingly are interested in supporting the daily self-care of people with chronic conditions. The purpose of this study was to review mobile applications (apps) to promote epilepsy self-management. It investigates the following: 1) the available mobile apps for epilepsy, 2) how these apps support patient education and self-management (SM), and 3) their usefulness in supporting management of epilepsy. We conducted the review in Fall 2017 and assessed apps on the Apple App Store that related to the terms "epilepsy" and "seizure". Inclusion criteria included apps (adult and pediatric) that, as follows, were: 1) developed for patients or the community; 2) made available in English, and 3) less than $5.00. Exclusion criteria included apps that were designed for dissemination of publications, focused on healthcare providers, or were available in other languages. The search resulted in 149 apps, of which 20 met the selection criteria. A team reviewed each app in terms of three sets of criteria: 1) epilepsy-specific descriptions and SM categories employed by the apps and 2) Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) subdomain scores for reviewing engagement, functionality, esthetics, and information; and 3) behavioral change techniques. Most apps were for adults and free. Common SM domains for the apps were treatment, seizure tracking, response, and safety. A number of epilepsy apps existed, but many offered similar functionalities and incorporated few SM domains. The findings underline the need for mobile apps to cover broader domains of SM and behavioral change techniques and to be evaluated for outcomes.

Measurement in pediatric epilepsy self-management: A critical review

Given the paucity of information available regarding self-management, the aims of this paper are to synthesize the literature on factors associated with and measures to assess self-management in pediatric epilepsy.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

youth birth to 18 years with a seizure disorder or an epilepsy diagnosis and/or their caregivers, published 1985-2014 in English, and conducted in countries with a very high human development index. The review was conducted in 6 phases: (1) identification of bibliographical search criteria and databases; (2) abstract assessment; (3) full article review; (4) organization of final citations into categories; (5) identification of predictors, potential mediators/moderators, and outcomes associated with self-management factors and categorization of factors as influences, processes, or behaviors across individual, family, community, and health care domains; and (6) critique of self-management instrument studies. Twenty-five studies that evaluated factors associated with self-management were identified. Individual and family-focused factors were the most commonly studied predictors of self-management, with psychosocial care needs and self-efficacy for seizure management identified as key factors associated with pediatric epilepsy self-management. Few studies have included mediator and moderator analyses. Measures of adherence were the most commonly used outcome. There has been a predominant focus on pediatric epilepsy influences and processes that are modifiable in nature, potentially at the expense of evidence for the role of community and health systems in pediatric epilepsy self-management. The 6 self-management instrument tools reported scientific rationale and good psychometric properties. Results highlight several key modifiable cognitive and behavioral targets for skills development: adherence, self-efficacy for seizure management, attitudes toward epilepsy, and family variables. Moving forward, a comprehensive pediatric epilepsy self-management model, well-validated measures of self-management behaviors, mediator/moderator designs to examine the complex relationships between predictors and pediatric epilepsy self-management outcomes, and studies examining the community and health care domains of self-management are necessary.

Paradigm Shifts in the Neuropsychology of Epilepsy

This article reviews the major paradigm shifts that have occurred in the area of the application of clinical and experimental neuropsychology to epilepsy and epilepsy surgery since the founding of the International Neuropsychological Society. The five paradigm shifts discussed include: 1) The neurobiology of cognitive disorders in epilepsy - expanding the landscape of syndrome-specific neuropsychological impairment; 2) pathways to comorbidities: bidirectional relationships and their clinical implications; 3) discovering quality of life: The concept, its quantification and applicability; 4) outcomes of epilepsy surgery: challenging conventional wisdom; and 5) Iatrogenic effects of treatment: cognitive and behavioral effects of antiepilepsy drugs. For each area we characterize the status of knowledge, the key developments that have occurred, and how they have altered our understanding of the epilepsies and their management. We conclude with a brief overview of where we believe the field will be headed in the next decade which includes changes in assessment paradigms, moving from characterization of comorbidities to interventions; increasing development of new measures, terminology and classification; increasing interest in neurodegenerative proteins; transitioning from clinical seizure features to modifiable risk factors; and neurobehavioral phenotypes. Overall, enormous progress has been made over the lifespan of the INS with promise of ongoing improvements in understanding of the cognitive and behavioral complications of the epilepsies and their treatment. (JINS, 2017, 23, 791-805).

Implementation of psychological clinical trials in epilepsy: Review and guide

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Neuropsychiatry commission and United States Institute of Medicine report both identified cognitive and psychological comorbidities as a significant issue for individuals with epilepsy, with rates as high as 60%. However, there is a paucity of evidence-based treatments for many psychological conditions (e.g., learning disorders, cognitive disorders, behavioral disorders). Because of inherent challenges in the implementation of psychological therapy trials and specific considerations for the population with epilepsy, the focus of the current review was to provide guidance and recommendations to conduct psychological trials for individuals with epilepsy. Several key areas will be discussed, including selection of patients, trial design, psychological intervention considerations, outcomes and evaluation of results, publication of trial results, and special issues related to pediatric clinical trials. Rigorously designed psychological therapy trials will set the stage for evidence-based practice in the care of individuals with epilepsy, with the goal of improving seizures, side effects, and HRQOL.