Initial perspectives from Midwestern neurologists: epilepsy patients' barriers and motivators for seeking treatment.
OBJECTIVE
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological illness that affects 2.7 million people in the United States, but remains poorly understood. Care providers may not recognize their patients' need for epilepsy information, contributing to treatment barriers, such as stigmatization and poor patient-provider communication.


METHODS
The current study piloted a survey of epilepsy-related attitudes and perceptions of 33 Midwestern neurologists. The survey included questions about perceived barriers to and motivators for treatment, thoughts on misperceptions of epilepsy in the community and in the patient population, and potential interventions to address misperceptions.


RESULTS
Respondents perceived misinformation and lack of knowledge in patients and the general public that could be contributing to the barriers that exist to treat patients adequately. Respondents suggested potential methods for addressing misperceptions effectively.


CONCLUSIONS
This study of neurologists' perceptions about epilepsy barriers and needs provides an important perspective for the development of interventions to address misperceptions and barriers among patients and the public.
Hawley
Suzanne R
SR
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, KS 67214-3199, USA. shawley@kumc.edu
Paschal
Angelia M
AM
Ablah
Elizabeth
E
St Romain
Theresa
T
Liow
Kore
K
Molgaard
Craig A
CA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D004522:Educational Status; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D017057:Medically Uninsured / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D009042:Motivation; D009462:Neurology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D044469:Racial Groups; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation / Q000592:standards