Self-management education for children with epilepsy

 

Abstract

Background

Self-management education has been shown to improve the quality of life of children and young people with chronic illnesses. It has been suggested that self-management education may improve seizure control and other outcomes in children and young people with epilepsy.

Objectives

To review systematically the research literature on the effectiveness of self-management education in improving health outcomes for children and young people with epilepsy.

Search strategy

We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group's Specialised Register (February 2007), MEDLINE (Ovid) (1966 to February 2007), EMBASE (Ovid) (1980 to February 2007), CINAHL (Dialog) (1980 to February 2007), and PsycINFO (Dialog) (1887 to February 2007). We also handsearched Epilepsia and conference abstracts and proceedings. Experts in the field were contacted to identify any additional trials. No language restriction was imposed.

Selection criteria

Randomised trials of self-management education programmes for children or young people with epilepsy.

Data collection and analysis

At least two review authors independently assessed the quality of each study and extracted data.

Main results

Only one trial involving 167 children was identified that evaluated the effect of a child-centred model of training for the self-management of two chronic illnesses, asthma and epilepsy. The trial was not assessed as being of high quality and the methods used to analyse and report the data did not enable us to precisely determine the effect of the intervention. However, improvements were seen in seizure frequency and other outcomes, such as knowledge and behaviour.

Authors' conclusions

Self-management education programmes that deliver a child-centred model of training, may improve knowledge about epilepsy, certain behavioural outcomes, and reduce seizure frequency in children and young people with epilepsy. However, based on the evidence reviewed, we are not able to determine how effective it is, or what the key components of the programme should be.

 

Plain language summary

Self-management education for children with epilepsy

There is increased interest in the use of self-management education which helps patients to become 'experts' in their own illness. This is particularly important for children and young people with long-term illnesses, such as epilepsy. Epilepsy self-management programmes can include a variety of actions that can be taken by people with epilepsy to improve their quality of life; such as taking antiepileptic medication as prescribed, changing one's lifestyle to control seizure frequency, physical safety, and addressing difficulties at school or in social situations.

Self-management education may reduce the number of seizures, and improve other aspects of people's lives such as fear and knowledge about epilepsy.