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The health care journeys experienced by people with epilepsy in Ireland: what are the implications for future service reform and development?
Varley, J Delanty, N Normand, C Fitzsimons, M
Varley, J
Delanty, N
Normand, C
Fitzsimons, M
Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Date
2012-02-01T10:01:29Z
Date Submitted
Keywords
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Child
Child, Preschool
Delivery of Health Care/*methods
Epilepsy/epidemiology/*therapy
Female
Health Services Needs and Demand/*statistics & numerical data
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Interviews as Topic
Ireland/epidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
Young Adult
Adult
Aged
Child
Child, Preschool
Delivery of Health Care/*methods
Epilepsy/epidemiology/*therapy
Female
Health Services Needs and Demand/*statistics & numerical data
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Interviews as Topic
Ireland/epidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
Young Adult
Planned Date
Start Date
Collaborators
Principal Investigators
Alternative Titles
Publisher
Abstract
Opportunities exist to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of epilepsy care in Ireland. Historically, epilepsy research has focused on quantitative methodologies that often fail to capture the invaluable insight of patient experiences as they negotiate their health care needs. Using a phenomenological approach, we conducted one-to-one interviews with people with epilepsy, reporting on their understanding of their health care journey from onset of symptoms through to their first interaction with specialist epilepsy services. Following analysis of the data, five major themes emerged: delayed access to specialist epilepsy review; uncertainty regarding the competency and function of primary care services; significant unmet needs for female patients with epilepsy; disorganization of existing epilepsy services; and unmet patient information needs. The findings reveal important insights into the challenges experienced by people with epilepsy in Ireland and identify the opportunities for future service reorganization to improve the quality and efficiency of care provided.
Language
eng
ISSN
1525-5069 (Electronic)
1525-5050 (Linking)
1525-5050 (Linking)
eISSN
ISBN
DOI
10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.10.020
PMID
21195671