A service evaluation of psychoeducation groups for patients with functional seizures

This study presents a mixed method service evaluation of the Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) service psychoeducation groups, which were developed to provide timely care to patients diagnosed with functional seizures at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation trust (NUTH). The study aimed to conduct a content analysis of the interventions and identify behaviour change techniques utilised, as well evaluating the outcome data collected from Step 1 and Step 2 psychoeducation sessions from a year period (February 2023-January 2024). 13 Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) were identified in the Step 1 psychoeducation session, that targeted four intervention functions and 15 BCTs were identified across the Step 2 psychoeducation sessions, that also targeted four intervention functions. The quantitative findings demonstrated that the Step 1 psychoeducation sessions significantly improved patient and non-patient understanding of functional seizures, and the Step 2 psychoeducation sessions significantly improved patient understanding of functional seizures, self-efficacy and distress. Qualitative findings from the Step 1 patient data produced three themes: Affirmation, Improving Understanding and Heterogeneous Needs. Additionally, qualitative findings from the Step 1 non-patient data produced three themes: Resources, Improving Understanding and Satisfaction With Content. Overall, the study concludes that the NEAD service is meeting the needs of patients and non-patients who attend the NEAD psychoeducation sessions at NUTH. The findings were discussed in the context of their strengths and limitations, and recommendations were made for further research.