Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a long-term condition that requires self-management, but currently, there is no well-evaluated epilepsy self-education or self-management intervention in the United Kingdom (UK).

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the views and experiences of the first participants of the Self-Management in epILEpsy UK (SMILE UK) program to assist the development of a full trial.

Method: In-depth semistructured interviews and group discussions were conducted with 10 people with poorly controlled epilepsy to explore their views and experiences of the self-management program. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.

Results: All participants viewed the program positively. Three themes emerged: i) peer support was experienced through knowledge sharing, disclosure of experiences, and exchange of contact details; ii) participants felt better equipped to enter discussions with doctors and other health-care professionals about their condition; and iii) participants reported an improvement in their personal life through increased confidence to live with epilepsy and acceptance of their diagnosis.

Conclusion: A brief group self-management intervention increased knowledge and confidence in managing epilepsy.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2015, Elsevier. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Publisher Keywords:	Epilepsy, Self-management, Long-term conditions, MOSES
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Nursing

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