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The Neuro Center's physician newsletter. Click here to go to Neurogram's home page or the University of Virginia Health System's Epilepsy pages. Developing a Comprehensive Epilepsy Program: New Unit, New Staff, New IdeasIn an effort to enrich the quality of life for our epilepsy patients, the UVa Health System moved the epilepsy patient population to another inpatient location. The Comprehensive Epilepsy Program needed increased inpatient bed availability and flexibility to allow for improved patient diagnostics and treatment. Moving the patients and constructing a unit with state of the art technology was designed to improve diagnostics, as well as bring about cost savings. To facilitate the transition, continuous EEG and video monitoring were installed. To facilitate staff transition, training and educational sessions were organized for the entire interdisciplinary team. Sessions included seizure recognition, radiation safety related to the performance of ictal spect scans, epilepsy pathophysiology and treatment options, pediatric CPR and developmental issues related to the children that would now be admitted to a previously adult only acute care unit. Documentation tools were also evaluated in an effort to improve clarity and usability. The timeline for transition of the epilepsy patients to the new unit began in the autumn of 2000. The project was approved and the plans for staff education and integration of this new patient population to our existing unit began. Planning sessions were held and involved physicians, nurse coordinators and the EEG supervisor. The role of inpatient epilepsy program nurse coordinator was assumed by an experienced neurology clinician. With preliminary planning completed and construction underway, educational sessions began for staff in February 2001. In addition to the sessions mentioned above, epilepsy monitoring sessions were held for the newly hired monitor assistants who would observe the patients 24 hours a day. By March 2001, radiation safety training had been accomplished and the training of the monitor assistants was completed. The grand opening of the F.E. Dreifuss Epilepsy Unit occurred in June 2001. Since opening of the epilepsy unit, we have cared for patients who have newly diagnosed seizures, patients requiring evaluation for surgical intervention, individuals with pseudo-seizures, and those who need re-evaluation for medication adjustment or augmentation. The patients have ranged in age from several months to older adults. The program is constantly re-evaluated in regard to quality improvement issues and there is ongoing training and education for staff. Patients benefit from the expertise of the multidisciplinary team and the surroundings and technology of the new unit. The unit operates in a cost-effective manner that seeks to educate patients, families and staff alike. The epilepsy program also includes clinical research, clinics, and active nurse coordination and social work involvement. Our goals for the future are much like our goals for the present,
to deliver the best care possible and to enrich the quality of life
for our epilepsy patients. We are fully committed to accomplishing
both.
Click here to go to the University of Virginia Health System's Epilepsy pages. |
