EPILEPSY EDUCATION - A NURSING PERSPECTIVE

The nurse-clinician offers a unique perspective in the early education of patients with epilepsy, As part of the health-care team, the nurse assumes an important role in providing comprehensive epilepsy educati on, Epilepsy may occur at any time throughout life, and age-related ne eds necessitate ongoing assessment and intervention. The initial appro ach is to formulate an individualized educational plan of care, Financ ial, emotional, and cultural concerns should be discussed, and availab le support systems should be analysed. The goal of epilepsy education is to provide the patient and family members with the informational to ols needed to enhance their knowledge about epilepsy, The nurse can pr esent a formal educational plan and schedule appointments to review th e various aspects of self-management and reinforce their importance. U ltimately, this knowledge of epilepsy and the recommended treatment pl an can lead to a greater sense of power and control necessary for self -management and an improved quality of life. By creating a foundation of trust with the patient, health-care providers can continue to monit or and manage the seizure disorder to attain optimal patient outcomes. This positive interaction with the health-care team will subsequently influence the patient's lifestyle in a beneficial manner.