title: Support systems of women with epilepsy in pregnancy: A retrospective needs assessment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore support systems for women with epilepsy (WWE) during pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Audio-recorded, transcribed, semi-structured telephone interviews with WWE in pregnancy and following childbirth were coded using descriptive thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve women with epilepsy aged 21-37 years who received care during pregnancy in our epilepsy clinic from 2010 to 2013 were interviewed. Women identified three areas of support: immediate family, their specialist and group support. Some women felt unable to fully share health concerns with family members, but appreciated their support. Neurologists were perceived as reliable sources of support and information, but could be inaccessible. Support groups were seen as beneficial, but may heighten women's fear of epilepsy-related adverse events during pregnancy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study highlights the use of support systems by WWE during pregnancy. The richness of the transcribed interviews provides valuable insight into the pregnancy-experience of WWE and helps to direct future clinical and research goals and hypotheses.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8. Electronic address: j.qiang@mail.utoronto.ca.
authors.forename: Judy K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Qiang
authors.affiliation: Helliwell Medical Education Centre, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2C4. Electronic address: joyce.nyhof-young@uhn.ca.
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nyhof-Young
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 1X5. Electronic address: rd'souza@mtsinai.on.ca.
authors.forename: Rohan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: D'Souza
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8. Electronic address: esther.bui@uhn.ca.
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bui
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D000072858:Psychosocial Support Systems; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Patient centered care; Pregnancy; Psychosocial stressors; Qualitative interviews; Support systems; Women with epilepsy