ORCID
- Sarah Lennard: 0000-0001-9033-6752
- Lisa Bunn: 0000-0002-7263-3048
- Rohit Shankar: 0000-0002-1183-6933
Abstract
BackgroundReattendance rates at UK Emergency Departments (ED) of people with epilepsy (PWE), is higher than other chronic conditions. This is due to a myriad of seizure, biological, psychological and social factors. The aim of this study is to understand these influencers from the perspective of healthcare professionals working in the frontline specifically to reduce seizure related ED re-attendance.MethodsA cross-sectional online mixed methodology survey of 20 closed and free-text questions was conducted of relevant healthcare professional groups. Eligibility was based on those that came into contact with PWE in emergency as part of their role. A non-discriminatory exponential snowballing technique of survey dissemination leading to non-probability sampling was used. Quantitative data is presented descriptively. Thematic analysis was conducted on free text responses.ResultsOf 22 respondents, 21 were five years or more, post professional registration. Twenty met PWE at least twice per week. All had significant overlap of their bio-psycho-social experiences to repeat attendances to ED. Thematic analysis showed over-arching themes of “mental health”, “support”, and “education”. The themes generated highlight how psychological concerns/substance misuse/poor medication compliance through poor self-management or lack of robust education are risk factors for repeat ED attendances. Within these themes, sub-themes overlapped showing the complex nature of identified issues.ConclusionOur study identified themes that influence lowering of threshold for repeat ED presentations in a cumulative manner. Addressing outlined challenges through a holistic approach possibly developing a toolkit could significantly reduce repeat attendance to EDs of PWE.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2025-06-23
Publication Title
Epilepsy and Behavior
Volume
172
ISSN
1525-5050
Acceptance Date
2025-06-15
Deposit Date
2025-06-23
Keywords
Care pathways, Emergency department, Epilepsy, Repeat attendance, Risk Factors, Seizures
Recommended Citation
Lennard, S., Bunn, L., Raine, R., & Shankar, R. (2025) 'The revolving door of epilepsy emergencies: A mixed methods cross-sectional study of healthcare professionals’ perspectives', Epilepsy and Behavior, 172. Available at: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110556
