Need for Better Neuropsychiatric Care in Epilepsy Surgery

Source: Epilepsy & behavior : E&B

Summary

This study looked at how neuropsychiatric care is involved in epilepsy surgery across the UK. Researchers sent out surveys to epilepsy surgical centers to gather information about the resources available, how services are provided, and the opinions of clinicians regarding neuropsychiatric care. The surveys were conducted in 2013 and again in 2021-22, with responses from 12 out of 15 centers participating in both rounds.

The key findings showed that there is a lot of variation in how neuropsychiatric care is provided in these centers. While most centers recognized that neuropsychiatric support is important, many faced challenges like limited resources and a lack of clear procedures. This led to inconsistent assessments before and after surgery, which can affect patient care.

These findings are important because they highlight the need for a more standardized approach to neuropsychiatric care in epilepsy surgery. By establishing national guidelines and increasing funding for these services, patients can receive more consistent and equitable care. However, the study's limitations include the small number of responses and the fact that it only reflects practices in the UK, which may not apply to other regions.

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