title: Self-management for people with poorly controlled epilepsy: Participants' views of the UK Self-Management in epILEpsy (SMILE) program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epilepsy is a long-term condition that requires self-management, but currently, there is no well-evaluated epilepsy self-education or self-management intervention in the United Kingdom (UK).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine the views and experiences of the first participants of the Self-Management in epILEpsy UK (SMILE UK) program to assist the development of a full trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth semistructured interviews and group discussions were conducted with 10 people with poorly controlled epilepsy to explore their views and experiences of the self-management program. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All participants viewed the program positively. Three themes emerged: i) peer support was experienced through knowledge sharing, disclosure of experiences, and exchange of contact details; ii) participants felt better equipped to enter discussions with doctors and other health-care professionals about their condition; and iii) participants reported an improvement in their personal life through increased confidence to live with epilepsy and acceptance of their diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A brief group self-management intervention increased knowledge and confidence in managing epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Anne H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Laybourne
authors.affiliation: King's College London, Division of Health & Social Care Research, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Addison House, Guy's campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom. Electronic address: myfanwy.morgan@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Myfanwy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.affiliation: King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: s.h.watkins@bristol.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Sarah H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.affiliation: King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: r.lawton@thelondonclinic.co.uk.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lawton
authors.affiliation: King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: leone.ridsdale@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Leone
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ridsdale
authors.affiliation: King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: laura.goldstein@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Laura H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Goldstein
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010379:Peer Group; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Epilepsy; Long-term conditions; MOSES; Self-management