Epilepsy, Uncontrolled Seizures
Conditions
Keywords
Epilepsy, Uncontrolled seizured, Frequent ED use, High utilizers, Community Health Worker, Care coordination, African American / Black, Underserved populations, Social determinants of health, Multidisciplinary care, Integrated care, Transitions of Care Program
Brief summary
We believe that there are many reasons that people with epilepsy get their health care through the emergency department (ED) instead of through primary care or neurology. Our goal is to create program that will address these reasons. The creation of this program will be informed by use of the Grady electronic health records (EHR). We will use the EHR to describe people with epilepsy coming the Grady ED at a high frequency. We create a profile of these patients by examining their demographics and social determinants of health information in their EHR (Aim 1). We will then use that information to create a culturally and medically appropriate program for people with epilepsy (Aim 2). Next, we will test the new program, the Epilepsy Emergency Department High Utilizer Program (Aim 3). We believe this program may improve three things. It will first improve access to care by epilepsy and mental health doctors, and reduce ED visits. It may also help people to manage their triggers, track seizures, and take their medicines on time. And last, we believe it may improve seizure frequency and quality of life for people that are underserved in health care. With the lessons learned from the new program, we will explore ways to sustain the program at Grady and expand it to other health care facilities (Aim 4).
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCHW-Led Transition-of-Care Intervention
Participants receive a community health worker (CHW)-led transition-of-care intervention for adults with epilepsy who frequently use emergency department services. Over 9-12 months, the CHW provides home visits and phone follow-up to support seizure self-management, medication adherence, and care coordination. The CHW assists with appointment scheduling, connects participants to healthcare and community resources, and addresses social needs such as transportation and access to care. The goal is to improve continuity of care and reduce emergency department utilization.
Sponsors
Morehouse School of Medicine
Grady Health System
Emory University
UCB Pharma
Epilepsy Foundation
NYU Langone Health
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adult women aged 18 years or older * Confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy documented in the electronic health record (EHR) * Enrolled in the Grady Health System Transition of Care (TOC) ED High Utilizer Program * History of three or more seizure-related emergency department visits within the past 12 months * Self-identify as Black or Hispanic * Reside in the Atlanta metropolitan area with intent to remain for at least 12 months * Have access to a working phone for follow-up communication
Exclusion criteria
* No confirmed epilepsy diagnosis (e.g., non-epileptic seizures) * Younger than 18 years of age * Not identified as a high ED utilizer for seizure-related care * Unable to provide informed consent due to cognitive impairment or psychiatric instability * Regularly taking anti-epileptic medications with established adherence * Scheduled neurology follow-up within 14 days of discharge or consistent primary care follow-up * Complex medical conditions that would limit participation in outpatient follow-up * Non-English speaking * Pregnant
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Department Utilization | Baseline to 9-12 months post-enrollment | Reduced emergency department visits |
Countries
United States
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORRakale Quarells, PhD
Morehouse School of Medicine
Outcome results
None listed