Abstracts

Rationale: A new diagnosis of epilepsy can be challenging for individuals.  A Comprehensive Assessment of New Onset Epilepsy clinic (CANOE) was established to provide early screening and education for cognitive, social, and mood issues that are common in individuals with epilepsy.  This study presents early data from our ongoing clinic. Methods: Adult patients with a new diagnosis of epilepsy were referred to the CANOE clinic, after first evaluation by a fellowship-trained epileptologist. They participated in a 4 hour appointment with multi-disciplinary providers including: 1) Advanced Practice Provider for follow up of initial medical assesment, review of antiepileptic drug (AED) response, and to provide individualized education 2) Social Worker to evaluate patient response to common challenges (driving, work) and provide resources as indicated 3) Neuropsychologist for cognitive screening battery, and 4) Clinical Psychologist for mood screening and brief interview. All providers have specialized training and/or expertise in care of person with epilepsy (PWE). At the end of the visit, a feedback session with the entire CANOE provider team provided screening results, recommendations, and individualized education/support. Results: Since program onset in 2015, 26 patients (62% female) have participated.  The mean age and years of education were 32.5 and 13.9, respectively.  Mean age of seizure onset was 31.7.  The mean number of AEDs was 1.1.  Most commonly prescribed AED was levetiracetam (50%).  Neuropsychological screening revealed a mean prorated WASI-II FSIQ of 95.7.  Psychology screening with the Personality Assessment Screening inventory indicated the following risk potentials for emotional/behavioral problems: low 35%, normal 12%, mild 12%, moderate 31%, and marked 8%.  The PHQ 15 (somatic complaints) mean score was 6.8, GAD-7 (anxiety) mean was 7.1, and PHQ-9 (depression) mean was 7.5, all of which fell in the mild range.  Longitudinal follow-up and outcome data is being analyzed and will be reported. Conclusions: A multi-disciplinary new onset epilepsy clinic was established to provide early screening, support, and direct optimal patient care. These findings highlight the early identification of adjustment challenges to living with epilepsy. This novel clinic provides an opportunity to offer timely support and intervention in order to encourage acceptance, build resilience, and foster collaborative medical management in the care of PWE . Funding: No funding