A systematic review and narrative synthesis of group self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy

A systematic review of psychosocial interventions for children and young people with epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a lifelong neurological disorder that has a profound impact on the lives of millions of children and young people throughout the world, and is linked with mental ill-health and a poorer quality of life. Psychosocial interventions have showed promise for children and young people with epilepsy (CYPE), however there is an absence of large-scale RCT's that would add robustness to the evidence base. The present systematic review provides an update and extension of findings from an earlier review by Corrigan et al. to assess the state of the literature in 2023.

METHODS

The present systematic review carried out a search of six electronic databases. Forward and backward chaining was carried out on review articles as well as the studies returned through the search to source additional studies. In total, ten articles were included in this review and appraised for quality using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT).

RESULTS

Forty percent (4/10) of the included studies were rated as high quality according to the CCAT, which represents a significant proportional increase since Corrigan et al.'s review. A meta-analysis of results was not possible due to significant methodological heterogeneity, and the variability of outcome measures, however effect sizes were reported or calculated for the majority of studies (7/10), which facilitated comparison. Despite the issues of relatively small samples, there are promising findings with regard to psychosocial interventions increasing epilepsy knowledge, coping strategies, self-efficacy, and quality of life markers.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a growing evidence base supporting the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for children and young people with epilepsy. This evidence base is also increasing in quality. Particular components of treatment that prove to be effective include psychoeducation, components based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles, as well as mindfulness techniques. This aligns with the evidence-based recommendations for adult populations. Intervention goals centre around improving quality of life, reducing symptom distress, and increasing knowledge and skills. The instruments used to measure these outcomes are predominantly standardised, however remain heterogeneous between studies which impacts the overall robustness of the evidence base.

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.

Investigating the role of mobile health in epilepsy management: A systematic review

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurologic disease which is characterized by recurrent attacks of headache after seizure. Researches show that self-management is an important factor in improving the quality of life and quality of care of people affected by epilepsy. Mobile phone technologies play a potential role in patient care assistance and treatment of epilepsy. This systematic review was conducted with an aim to study the role of mobile health in the management of epilepsy. This study was conducted by searching databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google scholar search engines using the following keywords: "m-health," "mobile health," "Telemedicine," "Mobile Application," "Smartphone," "epilepsy," and "epilepsy management." Articles published from January 1, 1990 to September 1, 2021 were searched. Inclusion criteria included all articles published in English with a focus on the role of mHealth in the management of epilepsy. Review articles and studies that were not about patients were omitted. In this study, of a total of 4225 retrieved articles, 10 studies met the full-text inclusion criteria. Three types of researches (30%) were done in the USA, five studies (50%) were conducted as randomized controlled trials, and eight articles (80%) had the highest quality. Among the considered articles, three articles (30%) were engaged in training users in epilepsy management. Five articles (50%) reported improvement in seizure control in patients with epilepsy and two articles (20%) did not report any significant improvement. Mobile technologies have a promising role in providing health assessment, education, and other services for patients, and they also help in controlling seizures attack and improvement of epilepsy management. These technologies enjoy great attractiveness, and utilizing them will lead to patient satisfaction.

Development and validation of the Thai version of the Adult Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (Thai-ESMS)

OBJECTIVE

Self-management is an important strategy for helping people with epilepsy (PWE) control their seizures and improve their quality of life. To date, there are scarce standard measurement tools for assessing self-management practices. This study aimed to develop and validate a Thai version of the Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (Thai-ESMS) for Thai people with epilepsy.

METHODS

The translation of the Thai-ESMS was created using the adaptation of Brislin's translation model. Content validity of the developed Thai-ESMS was independently assessed by 6 neurology experts and reported as item content validity index (I-CVI) and scale-CVI (S-CVI). We consecutively invited epilepsy patients at our outpatient epilepsy clinic to participate in the study from November to December 2021. Participants were asked to complete our 38-item Thai-ESMS. Based on the participant's responses, construct validity was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was employed to evaluate internal consistency reliability.

RESULTS

Overall, our 38-item Thai ESMS scale showed high content validity (S-CVI = 0.89), assessed by neurology experts. Responses from 216 patients were then used for the assessment of construct validity and internal consistency. The results showed good construct validity of 5 domains (5 factors with Eigenvalue > 1 upon EFA and good fitness index upon CFA) meaning that the developed scale is an adequate measure of the concept it was designed to evaluate and had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.819), which both values were comparable to the original English version. However, some items or domains had poorer validity and reliability than the overall scale.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a robust 38-item Thai ESMS with high validity and good reliability to be used to help assess the magnitude of self-management skills in Thai PWE. However, more work on this measure is needed before distribution to a wider population.

Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an adopted novel self-management intervention among people with epilepsy in Uganda

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterized by poor quality of life and associated stigma. Studies in long-term health conditions suggest that self-management interventions improve the quality of life (QoL) and reduce the perceived stigma among people with epilepsy (PWE). Yet, the utilization of these interventions remains low in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an adopted novel self-management intervention, Self-management for people with epilepsy and a history of negative health events (SMART) among PWE in Uganda.

DESIGN

A two-year, uncontrolled, prospective pilot study in Ugandans with epilepsy was conducted.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged ≥ 18 years with epilepsy attending a neurology outpatient clinic were enrolled.

INTERVENTION

Using a nurse led and peer educator interactions; nine self-management approach sessions (1 individual session and 8 group sessions) were conducted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was QoL, perceived stigma and depression in PWE at 24-month follow-up using the Quality Of Life In Epilepsy 31 (QOLIE-31) scale and perceived stigma using the Kilifi stigma score and Neurological disorders depression index for epilepsy (NDDI-E).

RESULTS

There were 17 individuals and their caregivers who were enrolled into this study with a mean age of 23.47 (SD = 5.3) years. The study intervention was feasible and acceptable within our settings. Overall, quality of life, stigma level, depression, and seizure frequency in the past 30 days were significantly improved from the baseline scores before the intervention with p-values of <0.0001, <0.0001, 0.004, and <0.0001, respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE

The SMART intervention engages individuals to actively participate in self-management, and can help reduce depressive symptom severity in PWE. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with epilepsy, additional research is needed to better identify how SMART might be implemented in routine care settings.

Evaluation of a self-management intervention for adults with epilepsy in Taiwan: A longitudinal randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Epilepsy is a neurological disease that causes recurrent seizures and can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life (QOL). A self-management intervention (SMI) can allow adults with epilepsy to modify behaviors in order to manage their seizures and evaluate the impact of medication and treatments on their daily lives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a SMI for adults with epilepsy.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Adults with epilepsy between the age of 20 and 65 years were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Participants were assigned to an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG) through simple randomization. Data regarding demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at baseline (T0). In addition, participants answered nine validated self-report questionnaires, which were used as outcome measures. Following collection of baseline data, the CG received routine monthly counseling over the next 3 months. The IG received the routine monthly counseling, as well as individual face-to-face health counseling on self-management 1 h/month and remote counseling via the phone or computer network at least twice per month. After the first month (T1) and at the end of the third (T2) and sixth months (T3) participants answered the nine questionnaires again. Differences in outcomes between the IGs and CGs were analyzed by comparing scores for the nine outcome variables at T0 with scores at T1, T2, and T3 with generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

A total of 210 adults agreed to participate in the study; however, only 155 participants completed the questionnaires for all three time points: 75 in the CG and 80 in the IG. The mean age of the 155 participants was 39.6 years (SD = 10.9). There was no significant difference between demographic or clinical variables between the two groups. The only difference in baseline scores (T0) among the nine self-report questionnaires was in epilepsy knowledge, measured with the Epilepsy Knowledge Profile questionnaire, which were significantly higher for the CG (mean = 32.28, SD = 3.92) than the IG (mean = 23.01, SD = 2.79) (p < 0.001). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis showed scores decreased significantly at T3 from baseline for the CG for epilepsy knowledge and QOL (p < 0.001). Improvements in scores for sleep quality, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, coping, and social support did not differ between groups. Classification of the IG by gender showed a significantly greater increase for males compared with females from baseline to T3 for epilepsy knowledge (p < 0.001). If we further classified the IGs by seizure frequency, participants with a seizure frequency of ≥1 per year had a more significant increase in epilepsy knowledge and increase in QOL compared with participants with a seizure frequency of <1 per year at T3 compared with T0.

CONCLUSION

The lack of improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following the SMI may indicate that additional time is required to change behaviors that impact this variable for patients with epilepsy. Additional research should focus on variables associated with medication compliance, epilepsy knowledge, medicine symptom distress, self-efficacy, anxiety, and HRQoL.

Best care for older people with epilepsy: A scoping review

There are two peaks of diagnosis of epilepsy: in childhood and in people over 65. Older people may have complex needs like co-morbidity, polypharmacy, frailty, and social isolation. This scoping review focusses on the care of older people with epilepsy beyond diagnosis and medical treatment. We sought to identify areas within the UK health service needing development either in clinical practice or through further research. The search returned 4864 papers with 33 papers included in the review. The papers were grouped into psychosocial, self-management and services themes. Only one randomised controlled trial was found. Research was mainly based on cohort and case-control studies. Older people require more information to self-manage epilepsy and more psychological support to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. People reported experiencing stigma and a reluctance to disclose their condition. This may increase the risk of isolation and difficulties in managing epilepsy. Studies reported that older people are referred less to neurologists, suggesting there may be a gap in care provision compared to younger people. Generalist health professionals may be better placed to provide holistic care, but they may need additional training to alleviate uncertainties in managing epilepsy. Care plans could help provide information, particularly for co-morbidity, but few had one. Our findings highlight psychological and self-management needs for managing epilepsy in older people. Health service staff may require upskilling to shift epilepsy management from neurologists to generalists. More research is needed regarding psychological and self-management interventions, particularly in the form of randomised controlled trials.

Program of Active Consumer Engagement in Self-Management in Epilepsy: Replication and extension of a self-management randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The Program of Active Consumer Engagement in Self-Management in Epilepsy (PACES) is an evidenced-based self-management intervention for adults with epilepsy. Prior randomized controlled trial (RCT) data show that PACES reduces depression and improves self-management, self-efficacy, and quality of life for 6 months postprogram. The objective of this study was to replicate a PACES RCT with key extensions: more diverse patient pool from community-based epilepsy centers; option for telephone-based participation; and longer follow-up (12 months with booster support for intervention group), to examine duration of impact and inform dissemination and implementation.

METHODS

Participants were adults with chronic epilepsy (n = 101) without serious mental illness or substantive intellectual impairment, recruited from three epilepsy centers. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention or waitlist control groups. Outcomes included the Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (ESMS), Epilepsy Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES), Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, administered at baseline, postintervention (8 weeks), and 6 and 12 months postintervention. Intervention was an 8-week group of five to eight adults co-led by a psychologist and trained peer with epilepsy that met once per week by teleconference or in person at a hospital for 60-75 minutes. Topics included medical, psychosocial, cognitive, and self-management aspects of epilepsy, as well as community integration and epilepsy-related communication. Treatment group provided program evaluation.

RESULTS

PACES participants (n = 49) improved relative to controls (n = 52) on the ESES (P < .022) and overall distress composite (P = .008). At 6 months, PACES participants remained improved on the ESES (P = .008) and composite (P = .001), and were improved on the ESMS (P = .005). At 12 months, PACES participants remained improved on the ESMS (P = .006) and were improved on an overall distress composite of combined measures (P = .018). Attrition was low (<6% in each group), and all program satisfaction ratings exceeded 4.0/5.0.

SIGNIFICANCE

A consumer-generated epilepsy self-management program with broad psychosocial and medical emphasis can be effectively delivered by telephone or in person and facilitates long-term epilepsy self-management, adjustment, and coping up to 1 year after treatment.

Barriers and facilitators to implementation of epilepsy self-management programs: a systematic review using qualitative evidence synthesis methods

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy affects nearly 50 million people worldwide. Self-management is critical for individuals with epilepsy in order to maintain optimal physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Implementing and adopting a self-management program requires considering many factors at the person, program, and systems levels. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative and mixed-methods studies to identify facilitators and barriers that impact implementation and adoption of self-management programs for adults with epilepsy.

METHODS

We used established systematic review methodologies for qualitative and mixed-methods studies. We included studies addressing facilitators (i.e., factors that aided) or barriers (i.e., factors that impeded) to implementation and adoption of self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy. We conducted a narrative thematic synthesis to identify facilitators and barriers.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 2700 citations; 13 studies met eligibility criteria. Our synthesis identified five themes that categorize facilitators and barriers to successful implementation epilepsy self-management: (1) relevance, intervention content that facilitates acquisition of self-management skills; (2) personalization, intervention components that account for the individual's social, physical, and environmental characteristics; (3) intervention components, components and dosing of the intervention; (4) technology considerations, considerations that account for individual's use, familiarity with, and ownership of technology; and (5) clinician interventionist, role and preparation of the individual who leads intervention. We identified facilitators in 11 of the 13 studies and barriers in 11 of the 13 studies and classified these by social-ecological level (i.e., patient/caregiver, program, site/system).

CONCLUSION

Identification of facilitators and barriers at multiple levels provides insight into disease-specific factors that influence implementation and adoption of self-management programs for individuals with epilepsy. Our findings indicate that involving individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers in intervention development, and then tailoring intervention content during the intervention, can help ensure the content is relevant to intervention participants. Our findings also indicate the role of the clinician (i.e., the individual who provides self-management education) is important to intervention implementation, and key issues with clinicians were identified as barriers and opportunities for improvement. Overall, our findings have practical value for those seeking to implement and adopt self-management interventions for epilepsy and other chronic illnesses.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number is CRD42018098604.

Do distance-delivery group interventions improve depression in people with epilepsy?

About one-third of people with epilepsy experience comorbid depression. The present study examined outcomes of a distance-delivery group intervention program designed to improve emotional well-being. Participants were 55 adults with epilepsy and self-reported depressive symptoms who were randomly assigned to take part in either a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program (UPLIFT, n = 20), an epilepsy information and self-management program (EpINFO, n = 24) that served as an active control group, or a wait-list control (WLC) group (n = 11). The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDIE), and the psychological health subscale of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) scale were used to assess depression and psychological quality of life before and after treatment, and at short-term (six months) and long-term follow-up (one year) upon program completion. From pre- to posttreatment, a main effect of time was found, with participants in both the UPLIFT and EpINFO groups having reported to a similar degree a significant decrease in depressive symptoms and improved psychological health, improvements that were not seen in the WLC group. The time by group interaction effect was not significant. The effects seen at posttreatment in the UPLIFT and EpINFO groups remained at six months and one year after treatment. These data suggest that distance-delivery group intervention programs are effective at improving depression and psychological quality of life, with the EpINFO program offering benefits similar to the UPLIFT program.

Self-management of Epilepsy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Although self-management is recommended for persons with epilepsy, its optimal strategies and effects are uncertain.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the components and efficacy of self-management interventions in the treatment of epilepsy in community-dwelling persons.

DATA SOURCES

English-language searches of MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and CINAHL in April 2018; the MEDLINE search was updated in March 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies of self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy.

DATA EXTRACTION

An investigator assessed study characteristics; intervention details, including 6 components of self-management; and outcomes, which were verified by a second reviewer. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed independently by 2 investigators.

DATA SYNTHESIS

13 randomized and 2 nonrandomized studies (2514 patients) evaluated self-management interventions. Interventions were delivered primarily in group settings, used a median of 4 components, and followed 2 general strategies: 1 based on education and the other on psychosocial therapy. Education-based approaches improved self-management behaviors (standardized mean difference, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.0 to 1.04]), and psychosocial therapy-based approaches improved quality of life (mean difference, 6.64 [CI, 2.51 to 10.77]). Overall, self-management interventions did not reduce seizure rates, but 1 educational intervention decreased a composite of seizures, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.

LIMITATION

High ROB in most studies, incomplete intervention descriptions, and studies limited to English-language publications.

CONCLUSION

There is limited evidence that self-management strategies modestly improve some patient outcomes that are important to persons with epilepsy. Overall, self-management research in epilepsy is limited by the range of interventions tested, the small number of studies using self-monitoring technology, and uncertainty about components and strategies associated with benefit.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (PROSPERO: CRD42018098604).

One-year follow-up of a remotely delivered epilepsy self-management program in high-risk people with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

"Self-management for people with epilepsy and a history of negative health events" (SMART) is a novel group-format epilepsy self-management intervention demonstrated to reduce negative health events (NHEs) such as accidents, emergency department visits, and seizures in adults with epilepsy in a 6-month prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT); SMART also reduced depressive symptoms and improved health functioning and quality of life. This report describes the longer-term (12-month) post-efficacy RCT outcomes in adults with epilepsy who received SMART.

METHODS

After completing a 6-month, prospective RCT that demonstrated efficacy of SMART vs 6-month waitlist control (WL), adults ≥18 years of age with epilepsy were followed for an additional 12 months. Individuals originally randomized to WL received the 8-week SMART intervention immediately following the conclusion of the RCT. For this long-term extension analysis, assessments were conducted at 24 weeks (the 6-month primary outcome time-point of the efficacy RCT), at 32 weeks for individuals originally randomized to WL, and at 48 weeks and 72 weeks for all individuals. Outcomes assessed included past 6-month NHE counts, depressive symptoms assessed with the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and quality of life assessed with the 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE-10).

RESULTS

At the beginning of this long-term observational period (24-week follow-up time point for the original RCT), there were 50 individuals in the group originally randomized to SMART and 52 originally randomized to WL. Mean age was 41.4 years, 70% women (N = 71), 64% (N = 65) African-American, and 8% Hispanic (N = 8). Study attrition from week 24 to week 72 was 8% in the arm originally randomized to SMART and 17% in the arm originally randomized to WL. During the 12-month observation period (24 weeks to 72 weeks), there were a total of 44 serious adverse events and 4 deaths, none related to study participation. There was no significant change in total past 6-month NHE counts in the group originally randomized to SMART, although the group had significantly reduced 6-month seizure counts. The group originally randomized to WL, who received SMART during this observational period, had a reduction in total NHE counts. The group originally randomized to SMART had relatively stable levels on other outcome variables except for a trend for improved MADRS (p = 0.08). In the group originally randomized to WL, there were significant improvements in PHQ-9 (p = 0.01), MADRS (p ≤ 0.01), and QOLIE-10 (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

This post-RCT extension study suggests that adults with epilepsy who participate in the SMART intervention sustain clinical effects at 1-year follow-up and may have incremental improvements in seizure frequency and mood. Future research needs to identify opportunities for scale-up and outreach to other high-risk groups with epilepsy.

Self-Management education for adults with poorly controlled epILEpsy [SMILE (UK)]: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition resulting in recurrent seizures. Research evidence in long-term conditions suggests that patients benefit from self-management education and that this may improve quality of life (QoL). Epilepsy self-management education has yet to be tested in a UK setting.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Self-Management education for people with poorly controlled epILEpsy [SMILE (UK)].

DESIGN

A parallel pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Participants were recruited from eight hospitals in London and south-east England.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged ≥ 16 years with epilepsy and two or more epileptic seizures in the past year, who were currently being prescribed antiepileptic drugs.

INTERVENTION

A 2-day group self-management course alongside treatment as usual (TAU). The control group received TAU.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome is QoL in people with epilepsy at 12-month follow-up using the Quality Of Life In Epilepsy 31-P (QOLIE-31-P) scale. Other outcomes were seizure control, impact of epilepsy, medication adverse effects, psychological distress, perceived stigma, self-mastery and medication adherence. Cost-effectiveness analyses and a process evaluation were undertaken.

RANDOMISATION

A 1 : 1 ratio between trial arms using fixed block sizes of two.

BLINDING

Participants were not blinded to their group allocation because of the nature of the study. Researchers involved in data collection and analysis remained blinded throughout.

RESULTS

The trial completed successfully. A total of 404 participants were enrolled in the study [SMILE (UK), n = 205; TAU, n = 199] with 331 completing the final follow-up at 12 months [SMILE (UK), n = 163; TAU, n = 168]. In the intervention group, 61.5% completed all sessions of the course. No adverse events were found to be related to the intervention. At baseline, participants had a mean age of 41.7 years [standard deviation (SD) 14.1 years], and had epilepsy for a median of 18 years. The mean QOLIE-31-P score for the whole group at baseline was 66.0 out of 100.0 (SD 14.2). Clinically relevant levels of anxiety symptoms were reported in 53.6% of the group and depression symptoms in 28.0%. The results following an intention-to-treat analysis showed no change in any measures at the 12-month follow-up [QOLIE-31-P: SMILE (UK) mean: 67.4, SD 13.5; TAU mean: 69.5, SD 14.8]. The cost-effectiveness study showed that SMILE (UK) was possibly cost-effective but was also associated with lower QoL. The process evaluation with 20 participants revealed that a group course increased confidence by sharing with others and improved self-management behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS

For people with epilepsy and persistent seizures, a 2-day self-management education course is cost-saving, but does not improve QoL after 12-months or reduce anxiety or depression symptoms. A psychological intervention may help with anxiety and depression. Interviewed participants reported attending a group course increased their confidence and helped them improve their self-management.

FUTURE WORK

More research is needed on self-management courses, with psychological components and integration with routine monitoring.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN57937389.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 21. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Caring electronically for young outpatients who have epilepsy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to review electronic tools that might improve the delivery of epilepsy care, reduce medical care costs, and empower families to improve self-management capability.

METHOD

We reviewed the epilepsy-specific literature about self-management, electronic patient-reported or provider-reported outcomes, on-going remote surveillance, and alerting/warning systems.

CONCLUSIONS

The improved care delivery system that we envision includes self-management, electronic patient (or provider)-reported outcomes, on-going remote surveillance, and alerting/warning systems. This system and variants have the potential to reduce seizure burden through improved management, keep children out of the emergency department and hospital, and even reduce the number of outpatient visits.

A 6-month prospective randomized controlled trial of remotely delivered group format epilepsy self-management versus waitlist control for high-risk people with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Despite advances in care, many people with epilepsy have negative health events (NHEs) such as accidents, emergency department visits, and poor quality of life. "Self-management for people with epilepsy and a history of negative health events" (SMART) is a novel group format epilepsy self-management intervention. A community participatory approach informed the refinement of SMART, which was then tested in a 6-month randomized controlled trial of SMART (n = 60) versus waitlist control (WL, n = 60).

METHODS

Participants were adults aged ≥18 years with epilepsy and an NHE within the past 6 months (seizure, accident, self-harm attempt, emergency department visit, or hospitalization). Assessments were conducted at screening, baseline, 10 weeks, and 24 weeks (6 months). Primary outcome was 6-month change in total NHE count. Additional outcomes included depression on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, quality of life on the 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy, functioning on the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, and seizure severity on the Liverpool Seizure Severity Scale.

RESULTS

Mean age was 41.3 years (SD = 11.82), 69.9% were African American, 74.2% were unemployed, and 87.4% had an annual income < US$25 000; 57.5% had a seizure within 30 days of enrollment. Most NHEs were seizures. Six-month study attrition was 14.2% overall and similar between arms. Individuals randomized to SMART had greater reduction in total median NHEs from baseline to 6 months compared to WL (P = 0.04). SMART was also associated with improved nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (P = 0.032), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (P = 0.002), 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy (P < 0.001), and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (P = 0.015 physical health, P = 0.003 mental health) versus WL. There was no difference in seizure severity.

SIGNIFICANCE

SMART is associated with reduced health complications and improved mood, quality of life, and health functioning in high-risk people with epilepsy. Additional efforts are needed to investigate potential for scale-up.

The effectiveness of a group self-management education course for adults with poorly controlled epilepsy, SMILE (UK): A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions affecting about 1% of adults. Up to 40% of people with epilepsy (PWE) report recurring seizures while on medication. And optimal functioning requires good self-management. Our objective was to evaluate a group self-management education courses for people with epilepsy and drug-resistant seizures by means of a multicenter, pragmatic, parallel group, randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

We recruited adults with epilepsy, having ≥2 seizures in the prior 12 months, from specialist clinics. Consenting participants were randomized 1:1 to a group course or treatment as usual. The primary outcome measure was quality of life 12 months after randomization using Quality of Life 31-P (QOLIE-31-P). Secondary outcome measures were seizure frequency and recency, psychological distress, impact and stigma of epilepsy, self-mastery, medication adherence, and adverse effects. Analysis of outcomes followed the intention-to-treat principle using mixed-effects regression models.

RESULTS

We enrolled 404 participants (intervention: n = 205, control: n = 199) with 331 (82%) completing 12-month follow-up (intervention: n = 163, control: n = 168). Mean age was 41.7 years, ranging from 16 to 85, 54% were female and 75% were white. From the intervention arm, 73.7% attended all or some of the course. At 12-month follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between trial arms in QOLIE-31-P (intervention mean: 67.4, standard deviation [SD]: 13.5; control mean: 69.5, SD 14.8) or in secondary outcome measures.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first pragmatic trial of group education for people with poorly controlled epilepsy. Recruitment, course attendance, and follow-up rates were higher than expected. The results show that the primary outcome and quality of life did not differ between the trial arms after 12 months. We found a high prevalence of felt-stigma and psychological distress in this group of people with drug-resistant seizures. To address this, social and psychological interventions require evaluation, and may be necessary before or alongside self-management-education courses.

Characteristics associated with quality of life among people with drug-resistant epilepsy

Quality of Life (QoL) is the preferred outcome in non-pharmacological trials, but there is little UK population evidence of QoL in epilepsy. In advance of evaluating an epilepsy self-management course we aimed to describe, among UK participants, what clinical and psycho-social characteristics are associated with QoL. We recruited 404 adults attending specialist clinics, with at least two seizures in the prior year and measured their self-reported seizure frequency, co-morbidity, psychological distress, social characteristics, including self-mastery and stigma, and epilepsy-specific QoL (QOLIE-31-P). Mean age was 42 years, 54% were female, and 75% white. Median time since diagnosis was 18 years, and 69% experienced ≥10 seizures in the prior year. Nearly half (46%) reported additional medical or psychiatric conditions, 54% reported current anxiety and 28% reported current depression symptoms at borderline or case level, with 63% reporting felt stigma. While a maximum QOLIE-31-P score is 100, participants’ mean score was 66, with a wide range (25–99). In order of large to small magnitude: depression, low self-mastery, anxiety, felt stigma, a history of medical and psychiatric comorbidity, low self-reported medication adherence, and greater seizure frequency were associated with low QOLIE-31-P scores. Despite specialist care, UK people with epilepsy and persistent seizures experience low QoL. If QoL is the main outcome in epilepsy trials, developing and evaluating ways to reduce psychological and social disadvantage are likely to be of primary importance. Educational courses may not change QoL, but be one component supporting self-management for people with long-term conditions, like epilepsy.