Abstracts

Development of an Educational/Resource Binder for Adolescents with Epilepsy Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care

Abstract number : 1.247;
Submission category : 12. Health Services
Year : 2007
Submission ID : 7373
Source : www.aesnet.org
Presentation date : 11/30/2007 12:00:00 AM
Published date : Nov 29, 2007, 06:00 AM

Authors :
D. Quigley1, L. Jurasek2, B. Sinclair2, S. Ahmed1, D. Gross1

Rationale: Transition from pediatric to adult health care services can be difficult for adolescents and their families. Barriers to transition have been identified in the literature with little pertaining to epilepsy. The University of Alberta Comprehensive Epilepsy Program encompasses both pediatric and adult services within the same facility and has been conducting a nurse-led formalized transition program for one year. Throughout this time, evaluations have been collected to help identify specific learning needs for this unique population. Through these evaluations, an educational/resource binder was developed to provide written information on topics of concern and to help facilitate independence with maintaining individual health information.Methods: All adolescents referred from the pediatric to adult epilepsy clinic were included in this study. Prior to the first appointment with the adult neurologist, adolescents and families were seen in the transition clinic visit and provided a questionnaire regarding potential topics of interest, and assessing current level of independence regarding their health management. Based upon information gathered it was evident that additional resources were needed to assist the adolescent facilitate independence and provide individualized epilepsy information. Literature supports the use of a variety of teaching styles; therefore a resource binder was developed for adolescents and their families incorporating a health information record, and educational material and community resources. Results: A resource binder was developed to supplement the adolescent with epilepsy transition process. The binder consists of a section specific to an individual’s epilepsy health information as well as a section dedicated to epilepsy information and community resources. Each adolescent is provided with a binder to bring to their adult neurologists appointments to help ensure continuity of care.Conclusions: The use of an education/resource binder for adolescents with epilepsy and their families seen in the transition clinic will help reinforce verbal information provided by the pediatric and adult nurses and enhance awareness of available community resources. The binder will assist with maintenance of personal health information related to epilepsy and encourage the adolescent to take control and manage their own health care.
Health Services