The efficacy of a pharmacist implemented educational treatment programme for people with epilepsy: A report of a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of a pharmacist implemented educational treatment programme in improving knowledge and perception of epilepsy among people with the condition. MethodA randomized controlled study was conducted on patients with epilepsy recruited from the medical and neurology out-patient clinics of two tertiary hospitals. Patients in the intervention group were offered an educational treatment programme implemented by a clinical pharmacist. The impact of the educational intervention was evaluated by using an epilepsy knowledge scale and the brief illness perception questionnaire. ResultsThere was a statistical significant difference between the control and intervention group over time on the knowledge of epilepsy, as the knowledge of epilepsy among patients in the intervention group significantly increased; F (2154) = 150.15, p = 0.000, Partial η2 = 0.661. Also, there was a statistical significant difference between the control and intervention group over time on the perception of epilepsy, as the perception of epilepsy among patients in the intervention group significantly improved; F (2, 154) = 12.386, p = 0.000, Partial η2 = 0.138. ConclusionThe Pharmacist implemented educational intervention improved patients’ knowledge and perception of epilepsy. This finding has revealed the potential positive impact of pharmacists’ involvement in the management of epilepsy.