Developing an Evidence-Based Epilepsy Risk Assessment eHealth Solution: From Concept to Market

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Digital Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a significant cause of mortality in epilepsy patients.
• Effective patient education and risk assessment for SUDEP are critical but often under-delivered in clinical practice.
• Evidence supports that SUDEP education and understanding modifiable risks improve epilepsy self-management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement an eHealth solution for enhancing epilepsy risk education and self-management.
• To create a smartphone-based application, Epilepsy Self-Monitor (EpSMon), translating clinical risk assessment into an educational tool.

Main Methods:

• An innovation pathways approach was used, encompassing problem identification, feasibility, design, implementation, and marketing.
• A smartphone application (EpSMon) was developed to aid in the self-management of epilepsy.
• The app translates clinical risk assessment tools into an educational and self-monitoring platform.

Main Results:

• The marketing campaign reached an estimated 38 million people and gained recognition in academic and clinical circles.
• User adoption of EpSMon was lower than anticipated, with 221 users after 3 months.
• A 4-month trial highlighted the need for adjustments in marketing, cost model, and the development of an Android version.

Conclusions:

• EpSMon received positive reception from clinicians, stakeholders, and users.
• Further work is required to enhance the app's promotion, availability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Future development will focus on iterative design improvements and global launch to increase user uptake.