Training nurses in a competency framework to support adults with epilepsy and intellectual disability: the EpAID...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Services Research
• Intellectual Disability Care

Background:

• Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy face worse outcomes, including increased seizure frequency and behavioral issues.
• Current management strategies for epilepsy in this population may be suboptimal.
• The potential of specialized nurse-led care for improving outcomes has not been definitively evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if nurses trained in a specific competency framework can cost-effectively improve clinical and quality-of-life outcomes for adults with ID and epilepsy.
• To compare this specialized care model against standard treatment approaches.

Main Methods:

• A cluster-randomised controlled trial involving 312 adults with ID and epilepsy.
• The intervention group received care guided by the Learning Disability Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Competency Framework.
• The control group received treatment as usual within community-based secondary care settings.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in seizure severity was observed between the intervention and control groups.
• Secondary outcomes, including mood and behavior, also showed no significant differences.
• Economic analysis indicated the framework was likely cost-effective, primarily due to reduced support costs.

Conclusions:

• The specialized nurse competency framework did not demonstrate clinical benefits for adults with ID and epilepsy compared to usual care.
• The intervention showed potential for cost-effectiveness in supporting this population.
• Further research is recommended to explore benefits for individuals with mild to moderate ID and long-term effects.