The provision of epilepsy care across Europe 2017: A 17‐year follow‐up survey. Issue 1 (15th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zelano, Johan; Klecki, Judith; Christensen, Jakob; Tomson, Torbjörn; Malmgren, Kristina
• Other Names: Kruja Jera investigator.; Trinka Eugen investigator.; Boon Paul investigator.; Basic Silvio investigator.; Papacostas Savvas investigator.; Marusic Petr investigator.; Hjalgrim Helle investigator.; Haldre Sulev investigator.; Kälviäinen Reetta investigator.; Derambure Philippe investigator.; Kasradze Sofia investigator.; Mayer Thomas investigator.; Covanis Athanasios investigator.; Rosdy Beata investigator.; Costello Danny investigator.; Michelucci Roberto investigator.; Strautmanis Jurgis investigator.; Mameniskiene Ruta investigator.; Mifsud Janet investigator.; Henning Oliver investigator.; Jędrzejczak Joanna investigator.; Teotonio Rute investigator.; Groppa Stanislav investigator.; Iliescu Catrinel investigator.; Guekht Alla investigator.; Lukic Stevo investigator.; Lorber Bogdan investigator.; Lindbom Ulla investigator.; Rüegg Stephan investigator.; Bebek Nerses investigator.; Marson Tony investigator.; Kharytonov Volodymyr investigator.;
• Is Part Of: Epilepsia open. Volume 4:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 144
• Page End: 152
• Publication Date: 2019-02-15
• Subjects: epilepsy -- healthcare policy -- public health; Epilepsy -- Periodicals; Epilepsy -- Research -- Periodicals; Epilepsy; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.853005
• DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12306
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2470-9239

Abstract

Summary: Objective: To assess the resources available in the provision of epilepsy care across Europe and the developments since the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) survey published in 2003 (data collected in 2000). Methods: An updated online version of the European Epilepsy Services Inventory was distributed to all European chapters of the ILAE (N = 47) and responses were obtained from 33 chapters (response rate 70%). To assess trends and allow comparisons with the survey published in 2003, the responding countries were divided into 4 groups (Western, Central, Southern, and Eastern). Responses from European Union (EU) member states are reported as a subgroup (N = 23), since the current survey is a part of the EU‐funded European Study on the Burden and Care of Epilepsy (ESBACE, www.esbace.eu ). Results: The total number of physicians involved in epilepsy care had increased since 2000, with the largest increase seen for neurologists. The gap between the best‐ and the least‐provided areas with regard to the competence of the providers had diminished. However, the density of comprehensive multidisciplinary epilepsy teams had not changed to any greater degree. The main problems reported by the chapters were to a large extent the same as in 2000 and included lack of specialists and specialist care, lack or underuse of epilepsy surgery, and problems regarding financing and resource allocation. Several chapters also highlighted problems with healthcare structure and organization. Significance: Although there have been some improvements concerning the availability of care for people with epilepsy in Europe over the last 17 years, there are still a number of problem areas with little improvement or where there are important regional differences.