WITHDRAWN: Epilepsy clinics versus general neurology or medical clinics

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition after stroke, with a 0.5% prevalence, and a two to three per cent life time risk of being given a diagnosis of epilepsy in the developed world.As a result of perceived deficiencies of the quality of care offered to people with epilepsy, two models of service provision have been suggested by researchers: specialist epilepsy out-patient clinics (as opposed to the management of people in general neurology clinics or general medical clinics) and nurse-based liaison services between primary (GP) and secondary/tertiary (hospital-based) care.

Objectives: The aim of this review was to assess the evidence from controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of specialist epilepsy clinics compared to routine care. A second similar review investigating the effectiveness of specialist epilepsy nurses has also been published.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2004), MEDLINE (January 1966 to August 2004), EMBASE (1988 to August 2004), PsycINFO (1996 to August 2004) and CINAHL (1982 to August 2004).

Selection criteria: All randomized controlled and quasi-randomized trials that considered specialist epilepsy clinic interventions with standard or alternative care were included in this review.

Data collection and analysis: No controlled trials of suitable quality were identified for inclusion in the review.

Main results: No controlled trials of suitable quality were identified for inclusion in the review.

Authors' conclusions: It is not known whether specialist epilepsy clinics improve outcomes for people with epilepsy. As yet, there is no high quality evidence which describes their effectiveness in improving care for people with epilepsy.