It's Current: NAEC Provides Us With the Recipe to Build a Better Epilepsy Center.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) has historically provided guidelines for specialized epilepsy centers.
• Previous guidelines focused on inpatient care, comprehensive services, and center level delineation (Levels 3 and 4).

Purpose of the Study:

• To publish updated, evidence-informed guidelines for specialized epilepsy centers.
• To elevate evidence-based science into standard practice for epilepsy care.
• To provide a framework for establishing new or improving existing epilepsy centers.

Main Methods:

• An evidence-informed, consensus-based process was utilized.
• The guidelines are solely funded by the NAEC.
• The process involved developing 52 recommendations across key domains.

Main Results:

• The 2023 guidelines encompass 52 recommendations.
• Recommendations cover Inpatient Services/Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), Surgery, Diagnostic Evaluation, and Outpatient Services.
• These guidelines serve as a comprehensive resource for optimal epilepsy care.

Conclusions:

• The 2023 NAEC guidelines represent a significant update in specialized epilepsy care standards.
• They provide a roadmap for implementing evidence-based practices in epilepsy centers.
• The guidelines support resource acquisition for enhancing epilepsy care.