Geisinger study: Visits to neurologists improve health of elderly epilepsy patients
DANVILLE - Seniors with epilepsy who see a neurologist are more likely to live independently than those who did not, a new nurse-driven study finds.
The study suggests that the most important role of the neurologist is to develop a care program that manages seizures while minimizing medication side effects and to monitor seizure frequency.
Geisinger researchers examined how factors such as seizure frequency and access to healthcare impacted the living situation and overall health of epileptic patients age 70 and above. Findings were published in a recent edition of Epileptic Disorders journal.
With more feedback from the neurologist in an outpatient setting, epilepsy can be better managed and those patients can maintain their independence, said Mona Baran, APRN, BC, CNRN, Stroke Nurse Coordinator, Geisinger Medical Center.
The project is a strong example of Geisinger’s growing nurse research program, Baran said.
“We have a lot of talent here and it’s great that nurses are getting involved in research,” Baran said. “When nurses perform these research projects, it gives them a greater stake in patient care.”
Dilantin was the most frequently prescribed anti-epileptic drug in the study. Patients who saw a neurology specialty provider were more likely to be prescribed a newer generation anti-epileptic drug, as opposed to Dilantin.
Geisinger neurologist Mark Stecker, MD, PhD was the co-author of the study, which was funded by UCB Pharma.
About Geisinger Health System
Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System (Danville, PA) is one of the nation’s largest integrated health services organizations. Serving more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of three medical center campuses, a 700-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and the Center for Health Research—dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.
