Digital Care in Epilepsy: A Conceptual Framework for Technological Therapies

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Digital Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Epilepsy significantly increases morbidity and mortality, with outcomes stagnating for over 30 years despite advancements.
• Current management struggles with early risk identification and intervention, particularly given patient presentation circumstances.
• Traditional follow-up models fail to improve 1-year seizure freedom rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a techno-therapeutic approach integrating technological advances for epilepsy management.
• To outline a conceptual framework for dynamic, patient-centered interventions.
• To suggest a shift from arbitrary follow-ups to timely, remote, and point-of-need care.

Main Methods:

• Critical review of current evidence on epilepsy management and technological capabilities.
• Development of a generic, techno-therapeutic conceptual framework.
• Proposal for integrating automated monitoring and patient-triggered interventions into clinical practice.

Main Results:

• Technological advances facilitate automated monitoring of epilepsy indicators and risk factors.
• Patient-triggered interventions, enabled by technology, show potential for improved outcomes.
• Electronic platforms can support expert advice and management from initial presentation.

Conclusions:

• A techno-therapeutic approach, combining technology with practice changes, is crucial for improving epilepsy outcomes.
• Dynamic, remotely delivered interventions at the point of need offer a better chance of seizure reduction.
• This framework is adaptable for managing other long-term conditions.