title: European survey of the level of satisfaction of patients and physicians in the management of epilepsy in general practice.
abstract: Many people with epilepsy report treatment-emergent adverse effects (AEs) while on drug therapy despite optimized treatment. We explored the level of treatment satisfaction with current management among people with epilepsy and treating physicians from seven different European countries. There was discordance between patients and physicians: patients would like greater involvement in discussions regarding treatment options and, although generally satisfied with their current medication, saw the need for a more effective balance between seizure control and AEs. Conversely, physicians were less satisfied with current treatments, but were less concerned with AEs. People with epilepsy also wanted to be better educated about epilepsy and its management. Key challenges for the future include improvement in the self-management of epilepsy by patients and more proactive patient-physician interactions. An additional aim is to improve the public's perception of epilepsy so as to remove any associated stigma.
authors.affiliation: Richard Day Research, Evanston, IL, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Hermann
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Stefan
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schäuble
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Day
authors.forename: Josemir W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Sander
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005060:Europe; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011634:Public Health / Q000193:education; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants