Abstracts

Rationale: The Phase I evaluation process for pediatric epilepsy patients provides insight into epilepsy surgical candidacy. Children with epilepsy have high-rates of behavioral, learning, and mental health comorbidities, and families have high associated stress burdens. These psychosocial stressors could pose as barriers to care, and may be intensified as a result of the rigorous testing requirements. Social Work care is critical throughout a pre-surgical process. The social workers complete a psychosocial assessment and provide support for all Phase 1 admissions. We report on a preliminary retrospective study that examines the range of stressors experienced by the patient population pursuing epilepsy surgery, as well as the interventions implemented to support this population.  Methods: Records of 96 patients (N=96) who participated in the Phase 1 pre-surgical evaluation process during the 2018 calendar year were reviewed. Data regarding patient demographics, reported psychosocial stressors, and social work interventions were collected and analyzed utilizing the epilepsy department database as well as the Social Work Department statistical database. Results: The most commonly reported stressors included: Patient Health Status 89.6% (n=86), Behavioral Health 59.4% (n=57), Education 31.3% (n=30), and Financial 26% (n=25).The most frequent interventions included: psychoeducation 31.3% (n=30), referral to child life services 21.9% (n=21), concrete financial support 19.8% (n=19), educational advocacy 16.7% (n=16), and referral to behavioral health therapy 15.6% (n=15).  Conclusions: Families pursuing epilepsy surgery experience a variety of stressors and social workers provide a range of services. These findings are significant in providing groundwork for future studies to evaluate the relationship between psychosocial stressors and the pre-surgical experience, as well as the potential impacts of social work involvement throughout this process. Future studies may provide important insight regarding improvements to patient care and may reinforce best practice interventions. Funding: No funding