Abstract
Background
Group self-management courses are usual in Type 1 diabetes. Epilepsy is commoner, and group courses (MOSES) are offered freely in Germany. We adapted MOSES for the NHS, and are trialing it for people with poorly controlled epilepsy. Learning is interactive, with feelings and self-esteem discussed, and facts like the commonness of epilepsy, triggers and medication. We asked:- what are the views of people with epilepsy about the course?
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with a selected sub-group of 20 participants.
Results
An equal number of men and women, mean age 47 years, were interviewed. Despite long-term, difficult to control epilepsy most had never met and shared experiences with people like them. The opportunity for expert facilitator-led social contact, sharing stories, and feelings were valued. Comparison of experiences led some to adopt more positive attitudes to self-management and to make changes in their health behaviour.
Discussion
People with epilepsy may be isolated from others like them, but may respond to an invitation to attend an epilepsy course. In mental-health conditions, facilitated social contact and sharing experience help reduce self-stigma, and increase confidence in ability to manage. We need research on the relationship between group courses, attitudes and behaviour in epilepsy.
Group self-management courses are usual in Type 1 diabetes. Epilepsy is commoner, and group courses (MOSES) are offered freely in Germany. We adapted MOSES for the NHS, and are trialing it for people with poorly controlled epilepsy. Learning is interactive, with feelings and self-esteem discussed, and facts like the commonness of epilepsy, triggers and medication. We asked:- what are the views of people with epilepsy about the course?
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with a selected sub-group of 20 participants.
Results
An equal number of men and women, mean age 47 years, were interviewed. Despite long-term, difficult to control epilepsy most had never met and shared experiences with people like them. The opportunity for expert facilitator-led social contact, sharing stories, and feelings were valued. Comparison of experiences led some to adopt more positive attitudes to self-management and to make changes in their health behaviour.
Discussion
People with epilepsy may be isolated from others like them, but may respond to an invitation to attend an epilepsy course. In mental-health conditions, facilitated social contact and sharing experience help reduce self-stigma, and increase confidence in ability to manage. We need research on the relationship between group courses, attitudes and behaviour in epilepsy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | European Journal of Neurology |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - May 2016 |
| Event | 2nd Congress of the European Academy of Neurology - Bella Center, Copenhagen, Denmark Duration: 28 May 2016 → 30 May 2016 |
Keywords
- Epilepsy
- Qualitative
