Anne H Laybourne1, Myfanwy Morgan2, Sarah H Watkins3, Rebecca Lawton4, Leone Ridsdale5, Laura H Goldstein6. 1. King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. 2. King's College London, Division of Health & Social Care Research, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Addison House, Guy's campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom. Electronic address: myfanwy.morgan@kcl.ac.uk. 3. King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: s.h.watkins@bristol.ac.uk. 4. King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: r.lawton@thelondonclinic.co.uk. 5. King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: leone.ridsdale@kcl.ac.uk. 6. King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: laura.goldstein@kcl.ac.uk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a long-term condition that requires self-management, but currently, there is no well-evaluated epilepsy self-education or self-management intervention in the United Kingdom (UK). AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the views and experiences of the first participants of the Self-Management in epILEpsy UK (SMILE UK) program to assist the development of a full trial. METHOD: In-depth semistructured interviews and group discussions were conducted with 10 people with poorly controlled epilepsy to explore their views and experiences of the self-management program. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: All participants viewed the program positively. Three themes emerged: i) peer support was experienced through knowledge sharing, disclosure of experiences, and exchange of contact details; ii) participants felt better equipped to enter discussions with doctors and other health-care professionals about their condition; and iii) participants reported an improvement in their personal life through increased confidence to live with epilepsy and acceptance of their diagnosis. CONCLUSION: A brief group self-management intervention increased knowledge and confidence in managing epilepsy.
BACKGROUND:Epilepsy is a long-term condition that requires self-management, but currently, there is no well-evaluated epilepsy self-education or self-management intervention in the United Kingdom (UK). AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the views and experiences of the first participants of the Self-Management in epILEpsy UK (SMILE UK) program to assist the development of a full trial. METHOD: In-depth semistructured interviews and group discussions were conducted with 10 people with poorly controlled epilepsy to explore their views and experiences of the self-management program. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: All participants viewed the program positively. Three themes emerged: i) peer support was experienced through knowledge sharing, disclosure of experiences, and exchange of contact details; ii) participants felt better equipped to enter discussions with doctors and other health-care professionals about their condition; and iii) participants reported an improvement in their personal life through increased confidence to live with epilepsy and acceptance of their diagnosis. CONCLUSION: A brief group self-management intervention increased knowledge and confidence in managing epilepsy.
Authors: Allison A Lewinski; Abigail Shapiro; Jennifer M Gierisch; Karen M Goldstein; Dan V Blalock; Matthew W Luedke; Adelaide M Gordon; Hayden B Bosworth; Connor Drake; Jeffrey D Lewis; Saurabh R Sinha; Aatif M Husain; Tung T Tran; Megan G Van Noord; John W Williams Journal: Syst Rev Date: 2020-04-25