Discover the latest insights from Japan’s nationwide survey on the state of epilepsy care, and learn how clinics, hospitals, and specialized centers are revolutionizing the management and referral processes for this complex neurological condition.
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Status of epilepsy care delivery and referral in clinics, hospitals, and epilepsy centers in Japan: a nationwide survey.
Tokumoto et al., Epilepsia Open 2023
DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12874
Summary of Epilepsy Care Delivery in Japan
New Information: This study provides insights into the current state of epilepsy care delivery, functioning, and referral practices across different medical facilities in Japan, highlighting specific challenges faced by epilepsy centers (ECs).
Importance: Understanding the capabilities and limitations of epilepsy care in various medical settings is crucial for improving patient care and addressing gaps in service provision.
Contribution to Literature: The study identifies issues of downward referral and patient stagnation in ECs, which are less discussed problems in the epilepsy care continuum.
Results: Out of 5,865 surveyed facilities, 957 responses were analyzed. ECs reported being more capable in general epilepsy care functions, particularly in epilepsy surgery, but less so in psychiatric services (61.5%), dietary therapy (46.2%), rehabilitation (53.8%), and employment support (61.5%). Clinics had the highest rate of successful referrals (67.6%), while ECs had the lowest (40%). The most common barrier to referral in ECs was patient or family refusal (64%).
Study Details: The survey involved the Japan Neurological Society, Japanese Neurosurgical Society, and Epilepsy Care Network, with a 17.3% response rate from facilities classified as clinics, small hospitals (SH), large hospitals (LH), and ECs.