What do pharmacists know about epilepsy and antiseizure medications? - A survey among pharmacists in Norway

Approximately 45.000 persons in Norway have a diagnosis of epilepsy, a condition that may have a major impact on quality of life. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are drugs with many pharmacological challenges. Pharmacists play an important role in the counselling of patients with chronic diseases. A recent initiative by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) focuses on the active role of pharmacists in epilepsy care. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge of Norwegian pharmacists on this subject and to identify possible knowledge gaps and need for further initiatives, education and training.

A survey was developed based on previous studies and supplied with questions adapted to Norwegian pharmacists. Pharmacists were recruited through social media and members of pharmaceutical associations. The survey included socio-demographic and occupational information, questions on knowledge-based topics and the pharmacists' sense of confidence.

There were 113 responses, the majority from women (80%) working in community pharmacies (78%). The results showed an overall satisfactory level of knowledge about epilepsy, in line with similar surveys from other countries. In some more specific areas of ASMs, such as drug interactions, pharmacokinetic aspects, adverse effects and counselling patients, there is a need for improvement. Experience in counselling patients with epilepsy was significantly correlated with the pharmacists' sense of confidence.

Pharmacists in Norway have a satisfactory level of knowledge and confidence in counselling regarding main issues of epilepsy and treatment with ASMs, but some knowledge gaps were identified. More educational opportunities to close these gaps may facilitate the pharmacist's role in building health literacy for this patient group and improve drug safety.