The feasibility of delivering first suspected seizure care using telehealth: A mixed methods controlled study

Annie K Lewis; Katherine E Harding; Nicholas F Taylor; Terence J O'Brien; Patrick W Carney

doi:10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106520

The feasibility of delivering first suspected seizure care using telehealth: A mixed methods controlled study

Epilepsy Res. 2021 Jan:169:106520. doi: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106520. Epub 2020 Dec 1.

Authors

Annie K Lewis¹, Katherine E Harding², Nicholas F Taylor³, Terence J O'Brien⁴, Patrick W Carney⁵

Affiliations

¹ Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia; College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia. Electronic address: annie.lewis@easternhealth.org.au.
² Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia; College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia. Electronic address: katherine.harding@easternhealth.org.au.
³ Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia; College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia. Electronic address: n.taylor@latrobe.edu.au.
⁴ Neurology, Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Neuroscience, The Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia. Electronic address: te.obrien@alfred.org.au.
⁵ Department of Neurosciences, Eastern Health, 5 Arnold St, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia; The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Neurosciences, Monash University, 21 Chancellors Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia. Electronic address: Patrick.Carney2@easternhealth.org.au.

PMID: 33302224
DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106520

Abstract

Purpose: Prompt access to specialist assessment is critical after a first suspected seizure. We aimed to test the feasibility of providing this service via telehealth, compared with usual care (face-to-face appointment) in patients referred to a first seizure clinic.

Method: This feasibility study was a prospective mixed-methods non-randomised controlled design in a single centre. Patients referred to the first seizure clinic chose to receive their consultation by telehealth (intervention group) or face-to-face (usual care). Demand, practicality, acceptability and limited-efficacy testing were assessed using recruitment and routinely collected clinic data, participant surveys and a clinician focus group.

Results: Telehealth in the first seizure clinic was feasible; however, internet connection, computer hardware and software, patient confidence and organisational support impacted on practicality. Of patients who were eligible for telehealth, 25 % chose to use telehealth for their appointment, with more women taking up the opportunity. Geography and age were not factors in likelihood of uptake. There was no significant between-group difference found in acceptability and limited efficacy measures conducted.

Conclusion: Telehealth is a responsive and convenient way to reach some patients who face barriers in access to specialist neurology assessment following a first suspected seizure.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Feasibility; First seizure clinic; Telehealth.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Prospective Studies
Referral and Consultation
Seizures* / diagnosis
Seizures* / therapy
Telemedicine*