The Seizures and Epilepsy Education (SEE) program for families of children with epilepsy: a preliminary study

Abstract

We investigated the usefulness of the Seizures and Epilepsy Education (SEE) program in improving quality of life, management of the seizure condition, and health care utilization in families having a child with epilepsy. Members of 15 families attended the program, with at least one parent from each family represented. Children attended if they were at least 12 years of age. Participants completed research instruments prior to attending the SEE program, and also 1 and 6 months after attendance. Both parents and children reported improvement in quality of life relating to child mental health after attending the SEE program. Parents reported reduced emotional impact of the child's condition, fewer worries, and greater knowledge related to epilepsy. Results suggest that attending the SEE program may be beneficial to families having a child with epilepsy; however, further study is needed with a more robust research design.