title: Corpus callosotomy: the role of the nurse in family decision making.
abstract: The role of the nurse during selection and screening of possible candidates for corpus callosotomy is one of support and patient advocacy. The nurse must demonstrate an understanding of the selection process and utilize psychosocial, assessment and teaching skills. Then the nurse can assist in the decision-making process by being aware of the risks and benefits of surgery for epilepsy and present the information in an unbiased and equal manner. Although the final decision rests with the candidate, by being informed and aware of each candidates individuality and presenting factual information the nurse can better support the decision made and reassure the candidate regardless of the choice.
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals of Cleveland, OH 44106.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Dieter
mesh_terms: D003337:Corpus Callosum / Q000601:surgery*; D003657:Decision Making; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses; D010344:Patient Advocacy