Implementation of Evidence Based Guidelines Regarding Epilepsy Management for Patients and Their Family Members

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. Nurses play a critical role in promoting the best health outcomes for people with epilepsy by imparting information about the disease and advancing evidence-based practices which are considered the gold standard in the delivery of health care Aim: To evaluate the effect of implementation of evidence based guidelines regarding epilepsy management for patients and their family members Design: A quasi-experimental research design was used. Setting: The study was conducted at neurologic outpatient clinic, affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample of 60 patients and 60 family members were attended at the mentioned setting. Tools: Three tools were used: (1) Structured interview questionnaire included: patients’ demographic characteristics, family members' demographic characteristics and knowledge assessment questionnaire. (2) Epilepsy risk awareness scale, (3) Family members' reported practices questionnaire. Results: There were high statistically significant differences between total satisfactory scores of knowledge of the studied patients and family members pre to post implementation. There were high statistically significant differences between some scores of personal safety and health care and all quality of life scores of studied patients pre to post implementation. As well, there was high statistically significant difference between reported practices scores of the studied family members pre to post implementation. Conclusion: The implementation of evidenced based guidelines had positive effects on knowledge and awareness of the studied patients, as well, on knowledge and attitudes of family members regarding epilepsy management. Recommendations: There is a need to activate implementation of epileptic guidelines manual in the hospitals.