Abstracts

Rationale: Video-EEG monitoring remains the gold standard for evaluating patients in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). Assessing the patient during the ictal period is now recognized as part of the diagnostic evaluation. Observation of behaviors and an accurate ictal assessment has shown to be beneficial in diagnosing the seizure focus. Through performing an orderly, concise ictal assessment, the nurse can play an important role in the evaluation and diagnosis of the epilepsy patient. Methods: Prior to May 2007, a literature search of peer-reviewed articles did not demonstrate evidence of a specific ictal assessment in use. In October 2007, an ictal asessment was developed and implemented on the EMU. This ictal assessment tool is utilized as part of the standard of care on the EMU. A computerized documentation system was also developed to capture these assessments as part of the medical record. Results: This assessment, performed during and after a seizure, assesses the patient for responsiveness, awareness, language and motor funtcion. The EMU nursing staff now utilize the assessment on a consistent basis. Conclusions: This poster will describe the development and implementation of the ictal assessment and the importance of nursing roles in the EMU. It will also touch on the possibilities of adapting the assessment in other acute patient care settings.