Outcome findings from a multidisciplinary clinic for children with epilepsy

Abstract

Children with chronic or intractable epilepsy are at higher risk for medical and social difficulties. A multidisciplinary clinic was established to improve medical management and address psychosocial issues. The purposes of the present study were to describe the multidisciplinary clinic, retrospectively examine the referral patterns for children served by the clinic, and analyze factors significantly predictive of parental satisfaction with the multidisciplinary approach. The Epilepsy Clinic Satisfaction Questionnaire was sent to all patients seen in the clinic over a 2-year period. Outcome findings were based on 136 respondents. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that the best predictor of parental rating of clinic quality was the amount of information given concerning the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Staff attitude was also significantly related to parental satisfaction.