Using Computers to Develop an Epilepsy Self-Management Program

Emory University: Prevention Research Center

Topics:
Epilepsy

Researchers are using the Internet to help epilepsy patients manage their disease, its treatment, and its effects on life. Goals are to increase patients’ knowledge and skills, help them manage stress, sleep, and adherence to doctors’ instructions; and provide support for self-monitoring practices and behavioral change through the use of tailored, persuasive communication. Researchers want to add to the few tested self-management programs available for epilepsy patients. The use of a secure Internet site will broaden the reach of the intervention to individuals who are unable to drive because of their epilepsy. Web-based tools and content will be developed in the project’s first phase. In the second phase, content experts and potential consumers will review the model. The third phase will involve a pilot test with 50 epilepsy patients from two Atlanta clinics. The participants will complete a baseline assessment and then spend six weeks using the self-management program. Patients using the program will complete a log of their seizures, medication, stress level, and sleep patterns. They will also complete three topical epilepsy modules every two weeks and participate in an online discussion group. One month after completion, researchers will conduct a follow-up assessment to measure adherence, sleep time and quality, epilepsy knowledge, social support, self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Throughout, researchers will also assess feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the program.

 

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