Affiliation
Department of Neuroscience, Cork University Hospital, Cork. aidan60@yahoo.comIssue Date
2012-02-03T15:05:36ZMeSH
Clinical Competence/statistics & numerical dataCommunity Health Services
Epilepsy/*therapy
*Family Practice
Female
Humans
Ireland
Male
Referral and Consultation
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Ir Med J. 2006 Feb;99(2):52-4.Journal
Irish medical journalPubMed ID
16548222Abstract
We posted a questionnaire on epilepsy to all 375 GPs in Cork and Kerry (population 500,000) The questionnaire consisted of 10 sections, covering areas like GP demographics, initial referral practice following a first seizure, advice given to patients and GP's attitudes towards patients with epilepsy. The main focus of the study was GP awareness of 7 of the newer anti-epileptics and their side effects. There was a response rate of 46.7% (175) and revealed that the majority (87%) initially refer patients to a neurologist for further assessment. The majority of GPs gave patients advice about driving, AED side effects, interaction with the OCP and pregnancy counselling. GP awareness of the newer anti-epileptics is very variable with Gabapentin and Lamotrigine having the highest GP awareness rates. Almost 25% of GPs would initiate treatment following a first time seizure although only 30% would change therapy initiated by a consultant neurologist. Finally the majority of GPs were unhappy with the level of access to neurologists and 95% of GPs felt that the provision of an Epilepsy Clinical Nurse Specialist would help alleviate the problem.Language
engISSN
0332-3102 (Print)0332-3102 (Linking)
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