Abstracts

RATIONALE: The acute nature of new onset seizures precipitates stress and anxiety in families whose child is affected by this diagnosis. Established parenting and coping skills are challenged by the need to acquire new strategies to manage recurrent seizures. This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of early seizure education for this group of patients.
METHODS: All patients admitted with a diagnosis of new onset seizures are entered into the new onset seizure critical pathway. Children and their families are referred to the nurse practitioner by the neurology team. Families receive counselling/education in accordance with an established protocol. Children are included in the teaching as age appropriate. Families receive written instruction reinforcing the information discussed.
RESULTS: Questionnaires were mailed to 49 families whose child was admitted for new onset seizures between July and December 2000. Fifteen questionnaires were returned. All parents indicated they were able to recognize seizures should they recur at home. Fourteen parents indicated knowledge of appropriate seizure first aid. All families knew when to call 911. Six families indicated no knowledge of their follow-up appointment. Seven children understood why they were in the hospital. Interestingly, none of the parents indicated they had additional questions/concerns regarding their child[ssquote]s seiuzres or hospitalization. Thirty seven patients kept their hospital follow-up appointments.
CONCLUSIONS: Early education on seizure recognition and management helps prepare families to manage their child[ssquote]s seizures following discharge from the hospital. Standardized written information may be a useful resource for this group of patients. Telephone contact with families may insure that follow-up visits are kept. Further research is needed to evaluate other variables which may affect families abilities to manage recurrent seizures outside the hospital setting.