Abstracts

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center provides educational seminars on epilepsy to community based organizations, businesses and corporations in New York City. The purpose of the educational program is to enhance general awareness and to educate the public about epilepsy, seizure safety and first aid. A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Nurse Clinicians from the Epilepsy Center provided epilepsy educational in-services to 6 organizations. Presentations were given based on an epilepsy education handbook created by the Center. A survey was performed after the presentation. Information was gathered on gender, age, prior knowledge of epilepsy, knowledge of understanding the information presented, and personal experiences related to epilepsy. 162 people completed the survey. 72% of the audiences were female, 26% were male and 2% did not indicate. 50% of the audiences were above the age of 50, 18% were ages 40-49, 21% were ages 30-39, 9% were ages 20-29 and [lt]1% were below the age of 20.84% of the audience knew about epilepsy prior to the presentation and of those 77% indicated that they had a better understanding of epilepsy. All of the respondents (16%) that did not have prior knowledge of epilepsy indicated that they acquired knowledge, however, as a result of the program they stated that in retrospect, they realized that previously they had actually seen a seizure or know someone with epilepsy. Epilepsy education is a welcomed choice even for those who have had prior knowledge. Conducting these educational programs have proven to be successful in educating the public about epilepsy, seizure safety and first aid.