Access to health care in patients with epilepsy in Latin America (P4-8.014)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> Our objective was to assess the access to epilepsy care in LAC. <h3>Background:</h3> The lifelong prevalence of epilepsy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) stands at an average of 17.8 per 1,000 inhabitants. The treatment gap is greater than 50%, thus more than half are not receiving any type of care. Thus, there is growing concern about the access to health services for epilepsy patients. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We conducted a cross-sectional survey regarding access to resources, programs and services related to the care of people with epilepsy in LAC. Neurologists and epilepsy specialists were surveyed either by mail or in-person during the XII Latin American Epilepsy Congress in Medellin, Colombia from October 1st to 4th, 2022. <h3>Results:</h3> 98 of 101 physicians answered our survey in person. Information was obtained from 17 countries in LAC, 37,8% epilepsy specialists and 62.2% neurologists. 85% of physicians reported issues accessing education and work for people with epilepsy. 62.1% countries had prenatal care programs. 78% of physicians reported a high cost of care as the main access barrier. EEG was available in 94.5% countries and CT scan in 82.7%. There were 40 epilepsy surgery programs in 10 of the 17 countries surveyed. 54% countries did not have legislation related to access to epilepsy surgery and 85.6% physicians reported there is no information available regarding this treatment. Epilepsy fellowship programs were reported available in 8 of the 17 countries. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> There is a low prevalence of educational and work opportunities for patients with epilepsy in LAC. Government support is weak, as evidenced by a low prevalence of preventive measures for epilepsy. Most countries have access to neurologists and diagnostic equipment, yet with high cost of ASM. There is a need for improved access in the treatment, evaluation, and education of epilepsy in LAC. <b>Disclosure:</b> Ms. Villegas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lemus Esquivel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mayor has nothing to disclose. Paula Martinez has nothing to disclose.