title: Issues related to caring for infants to adults on an integrated epilepsy unit.
abstract: We integrated the care of patients of all ages (ranging thus far from 4 weeks to 73 years) in our dedicated 8-bed Epilepsy Unit. Administrative issues pertaining to admission and discharge criteria, unit policies and procedures and an interdisciplinary quality assurance plan were examined in relation to the impact of combining both pediatric and adult patients. Clinical considerations included the diversified abilities needed to care for pediatric and adult patients both in relation to the technical skills as well as psychosocial skills required. The advantages of integrating patients of all ages on one unit include having a staff highly trained in assessment and intervention skills for a particular disorder. The psychosocial issues that arise in these patients, regardless of age, tend to encompass the entire family; therefore a holistic approach is appropriate for both children and adults. An autonomous nursing practice was established with the development of critical pathways and patient care protocols. Our experience suggests that integrated specialized units can enhance the care of patients with intractable seizures.
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Management Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York 10467, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Dell
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lightstone
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Maloney-Lutz
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Clements
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Moshe
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shinnar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019091:Critical Pathways; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010343:Patient Admission; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care