Epilepsy care pathway: The Finnish model

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Systems

Background:

• Integrated care pathways are crucial for consistent, high-quality epilepsy care, ensuring equitable access.
• These pathways must align with global health initiatives like the WHO Global Action Plan on Epilepsy.
• Focus on rare and complex epilepsy cases necessitates integration with European Reference Networks (ERN).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Finnish national epilepsy care pathway.
• To highlight its integration with the European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (ERN EpiCARE).
• To showcase a model for managing complex neurological conditions through integrated care.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of Kuopio University Hospital as the national coordinator for severe epilepsy care in 2017.
• Formation of a national multidisciplinary consensus panel comprising specialists from all Finnish university hospitals and patient organizations.
• Adoption of the pathway into current Finnish evidence-based epilepsy care guidelines.

Main Results:

• The pathway emphasizes timely referrals, care continuity, and improved inter-provider communication.
• Individualized digital tools enhance patient engagement, including secure messaging and remote consultations.
• Regular national and European-level multidisciplinary meetings facilitate complex case management.

Conclusions:

• The Finnish model offers a streamlined, multidisciplinary approach to epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.
• Integration of digital tools, data sharing, and peer support optimizes patient outcomes.
• This pathway serves as a scalable model for integrated healthcare systems managing complex conditions.