Implementing epilepsy guidelines within a learning disability service.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the usefulness of the implementation of NICE guidelines when reviewing care within an outpatient learning disability service.


METHODS
We set up a multi disciplinary specialist epilepsy clinic and reviewed all patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy using a specific assessment document based on NICE guidance. We then audited clinical documentation prior to and after the implementation of the clinic.


RESULTS
We reviewed 23 patients and found that implementing NICE guidelines showed improvements to individuals' seizure assessments and epilepsy management. When comparing specific areas related to NICE implementation we found that 83% compared to 6% of patients had accurate name and detailed seizure descriptions. We made changes to seizure diagnosis in 76% of patients and improved the level of recording of seizure frequency and severity. Finally 91% compared to 50% of consultations led to changes in treatment plans.


CONCLUSIONS
We found that implementing the NICE guidelines allowed us to use a systematic approach to epilepsy management, which in turn led to identifiable improvement in documentation and patient care.
Whitten
Esther
E
Sandwell Mental Health NHS and Social Care Trust, Heath Lane Hospital, West Bromwich, West Midlands, United Kingdom. esther.whittern@smhsct.nhs.uk
Griffiths
Andrew
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D019468:Disease Management; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment