Implementation of a rapid continuous EEG monitoring program in a community hospital can decrease hospital to hospital...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Technology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) is crucial for managing severe encephalopathy and seizure disorders.
• Limited resources and staffing in community hospitals hinder 24/7 EEG availability.
• Patient transfers to specialized centers are increasingly difficult and costly, delaying care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a rapid EEG program using the Ceribell device.
• To assess the impact of rapid EEG on seizure detection and treatment decisions in a community hospital setting.
• To determine the program's role in managing patients with encephalopathy, seizure disorders, and post-cardiac arrest conditions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of a Ceribell rapid EEG program implementation from December 2022 to December 2024.
• Analysis of 189 patient cases involving rapid EEG monitoring.
• Comparison of rapid EEG findings with formal EEG and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• The overall seizure detection rate was 13.2%, highest in patients with suspected seizures (30.8%).
• Immediate treatment decisions were made in 21.7% of patients, particularly in post-cardiac arrest cases (37.5%).
• Only 1.1% of patients required transfer for continuous EEG, and 1.1% had missed seizures on follow-up EEG.

Conclusions:

• A rapid EEG program with the Ceribell device is feasible for timely diagnosis of nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
• The program aids in monitoring post-cardiac arrest and post-seizure patients.
• It addresses challenges posed by staffing and resource limitations in healthcare settings.