UK charity Epilepsy Action has launched a brand new resource for GPs and those working in primary care. The ‘primary care resource pack’ is a one-stop-shop for information and advice about epilepsy. It provides a range of tools, templates and resources for healthcare professionals working in primary care. Epilepsy Action has worked closely with GPs to develop this resource, which was supported by an education grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
The new resource has been developed by Epilepsy Action to improve understanding of epilepsy in primary care settings and promote better standards of care. GPs will soon be commissioning services for epilepsy and it is vital that they are fully informed to enable them to design good services.
Primary care practitioners can now access a variety of tools that will educate and guide them in developing higher standards of support for their patients. The resource will enable them to provide quality support through effective annual reviews and detailed care planning.
As well as information on epilepsy, practitioners can find information on what support different patients need, for example offering women information on contraception and conception. The resource also includes sections on NICE guidelines, meeting QOF indicators and a commissioning guide.
Sadaf Anan, healthcare projects coordinator at Epilepsy Action, said: “GPs and professionals working in primary care are often the first post of call for people with epilepsy. This is why it is essential that they are fully informed about the condition and able to give quality support to their patients.
“The feedback we’ve had about the resource so far, from professionals working in primary care, has been very positive. It is a one-stop-shop for everything primary care practitioners should know about epilepsy. It includes useful resources, such as an epilepsy contact record, annual review checklist and seizure diary. The tools and resources will help GPs meet NICE guidelines, QOF indicators and offer them advice on commissioning epilepsy services. More importantly it will help those working in primary care provide the support and advice people with epilepsy need to successfully manage their condition.”
GPs and other primary care professionals can access the toolkit online at www.epilepsy.org.uk/toolkit Limited numbers of printed copies are also available by contacting Sadaf Adnan on 0113 210 8800.
Epilepsy affects 600,000 people in the UK. Epilepsy Action campaigns to improve epilepsy services and raise awareness of epilepsy. It also provides a national network of support groups, funds a specialist nurse scheme, holds regular regional conferences and has a
freephone and email helpline. For more information visit www.epilepsy.org.uk