Establishing Priorities for Epilepsy Care and Electroencephalogram Use in Low-Resource Settings

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Global Health
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Pediatric epilepsy and seizure care in southern Malawi faces challenges.
• Limited integration exists between clinical researchers and end-users of research findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve care for children with seizures and epilepsy in southern Malawi.
• To foster consensus on current and future clinical research directions.
• To establish stronger links between clinical researchers and end-users.

Main Methods:

• Convened a think tank in Blantyre, Malawi, involving American pediatric neurologist clinical researchers and Malawian clinicians.
• Facilitated idea sharing and discussion among 12 participants (6 US researchers, 6 Malawian end-users).

Main Results:

• Achieved consensus on directions for current and future clinical research activities.
• Found the structured think tank more effective than informal discussions for idea generation and establishing links.
• Strengthened connections between researchers and those utilizing research outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The think tank model effectively generated research ideas and fostered collaboration.
• This initiative is expected to create a self-sustaining environment integrating clinical care and research.
• Anticipated improvements in pediatric brain health in Malawi through integrated, clinically relevant research and technology adoption.