Adherence to quality measures in a pediatric epilepsy center: a pilot study

A retrospective study was conducted to determine compliance with the American Academy of Neurology quality measures for epilepsy care in a single tertiary care pediatric epilepsy clinic. Paper and electronic charts of children 0 to 20 years of age, with an established diagnosis of epilepsy, who receive their medical care at the Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, were reviewed. Of the eight quality measures suggested for surveillance, the least compliant measures were counseling for young adults of childbearing age and recommendations regarding epilepsy specific safety issues. The quality measures where greatest adherence was demonstrated were ordering and review of electroencephalogram results at clinic visits and documentation of frequency of seizures. Practitioner education, use of electronic checklists, and an automated tracking system may enhance compliance and ultimately lead to superior patient care.