Managing Epilepsy Well Network

Key points

  • The Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network works to improve the health and well-being of people with epilepsy through self-management.
  • It develops, tests, and shares self-management programs and tools.
  • Self-management programs help people learn strategies and skills to make good decisions about their health and to feel better while living with epilepsy.
Man smiling outside with mountains in background.

Overview

The MEW Network is a group of U.S. academic research centers advancing epilepsy self-management through research, evaluation, and programs.

Help with common challenges

Self-management programs help people with epilepsy overcome common challenges, such as:

  • Staying on track with medications and appointments.
  • Talking to their health care providers.
  • Handling stress and mental health challenges.
  • Dealing with memory problems and stigma.
  • Managing fatigue.
  • Finding and using available resources.

Self-management programs

The MEW Network has created and tested 11 self-management programs since it started in 2007. The following programs are proven effective and available to those with epilepsy in some communities:

  • HOBSCOTCH (Home-Based Self-Management and Cognitive Training Changes Lives)
  • MINDSET (Management Information and Decision Support Epilepsy Tool) — available in English and Spanish
  • PACES (Program of Active Consumer Engagement in Self-management in Epilepsy)
  • Project UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) — available in English and Spanish
  • SMART (Self-Management for People with Epilepsy and a History of Negative Health Events)
  • TIME (Targeted Self-Management for Epilepsy and Mental Illness)

Funded partners and programs

The MEW Network's coordinating center and collaborating centers are supported by CDC. They work with associated members, partners, interested community groups, and people with epilepsy. Together, they develop self-management programs and make them available to people with epilepsy.

  • Coordinating center—Emory University
  • Collaborating centers—New York University, University of Arizona, University of Iowa, and University of Washington
  • Associate members—Dartmouth College and University of Texas
  • Partners—American Epilepsy Society and Epilepsy Foundation

Public health impact

Impact on public health science

The MEW Network has made important contributions to epilepsy self-management research.

From 2014 to 2022, the network:

  • Published 57 articles in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Delivered 175 presentations, abstracts, and posters.
  • Established the first epilepsy self-management database, which includes 14 research studies.

Impact on public health practice

The MEW Network's programs help people better manage their epilepsy and its effect on daily life. The network also works with partners such as local Epilepsy Alliance offices, healthcare systems, and Epilepsy Foundation offices to deliver programs in local communities.

From 2014 to 2022, the network:

  • Reached more than 1,000 people with epilepsy.
  • Trained more than 600 program facilitators.
  • Collaborated with more than 34 partner organizations.

Contacts

To reach members of the MEW Network, check out the Member Directory.

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion