title: An integrative review of the benefits of self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy.
abstract: The life-limiting effects of epilepsy are well documented in the literature, where the management of epilepsy and seizure control relies heavily on the self-management abilities of the individual. The psychosocial impact of epilepsy on the person and their family is profound and has been studied extensively. Interventions such as educational programs and lifestyle management education to improve self-mastery and quality of life in people with epilepsy are not necessarily integrated in standard care practices. The aim of this integrative review was to systematically identify and appraise research that reported findings related to self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy. A search of bibliographic databases was conducted, and a total of n=14 articles were included in this review. The main finding was that self-management education for adults with epilepsy shows promise to improving knowledge and self-confidence in managing one's own condition including the management of the psychosocial stressors, improvement in seizure control, and enhancement of quality of life. Self-management interventions were delivered in diverse formats, and the inclusion of this type of intervention should be part of the comprehensive care for people living with epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Australian Catholic University, Faculty of Health Sciences, St Vincent's Private Hospital Melbourne, Nursing Research Unit, Locked Bag 4115, Fitzroy MDC 3065, Australia. Electronic address: karen-leigh.edward@acu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Karen-leigh
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Edward
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne Australia, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, PO Box 2900, Fitzroy 3065, Australia. Electronic address: markcook@unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.affiliation: Australian Catholic University, Faculty of Health Sciences, St Vincent's Private Hospital Melbourne, Nursing Research Unit, Locked Bag 4115, Fitzroy MDC 3065, Australia. Electronic address: jo-ann.giandinoto@acu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Jo-Ann
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Giandinoto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019468:Disease Management; D061345:Early Medical Intervention / Q000379:methods*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Education; Epilepsy; Psychosocial; Quality of life; Seizures; Self-management