A Feasibility Study of a Family Seizure Management Program: ‘Be Seizure Smart’

Abstract

A feasibility study of a psychoeducational family intervention, “Be Seizure Smart,” aimed at improving attitudes and increasing family functioning was conducted. The intervention was individually tailored for each family member by (a) providing information about epilepsy, treatment, and seizure management according to the individual's knowledge base, (b) addressing unique concerns and fears, and (c) providing emotional support. Participants were 10 families of children with epilepsy ages 7 to 13 years. Data were collected about 2 weeks before and after the intervention, which was delivered over 3 to 4 months, by using structured interviews. One-tailed paired t tests were used to determine changes from pretest to posttest. Participants also were asked to evaluate the intervention and make suggestions about how the intervention could better meet their needs. Results generally indicated that the intervention had the anticipated effects. Knowledge scores increased for both parents and children. Children had fewer concerns and were more satisfied with family relationships. Information and support needs decreased for both children and their parents. Information need reductions were statistically significant for both parents and children; support need reductions were significantly reduced only for parents. Although child and parent attitudes were more positive after the intervention, this finding was not statistically significant. Moreover, parents indicated overall satisfaction with the program and appreciated the convenience of in-home telephone interactions with the nurse and receiving information specific to their needs in the mail. It was concluded that the “Be Seizure Smart” intervention had strong potential to help children with epilepsy and their families and that the intervention should be developed further and piloted on a larger sample.