Evidence-Based Educational Initiative for Nurses in an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) published guidelines on caring for patients admitted to an in-patient epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) in 1997. These guidelines serve as the foundation for nursing practices in this specialized field. However, there is a significant variation in nursing knowledge and confidence in caring for this patient population. This highlights the need for a standardized epilepsy education program for bedside nurses in these units, which is currently lacking.

This initiative aimed to determine the best evidence-based strategies for improving nurse knowledge and confidence in caring for inpatients in the EMU. The evidence-based practice initiative used the seven step process, a systematic approach to implementing evidence-based practice in healthcare. It involves asking a clinical question, searching for the best evidence, critically appraising the evidence, integrating the evidence with clinical expertise and patient values, and evaluating the outcomes.

After completing the first three steps of the process, it was recommended that an educational program be developed. This program included modules on understanding epilepsy, recognizing different seizure types, managing seizures in an inpatient setting, and ensuring patient safety during video-electroencephalography (VEEG).

This initiative showed a significant improvement in nurses' knowledge and confidence in caring for patients admitted to EMU. Notably, the administration of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) became more consistent, and the response to different seizure types was more uniform.

Standardized educational programs for patients admitted to an EMU are needed. The evidence-based education program developed at a free-standing Midwest pediatric hospital may be helpful for nurses in other pediatric EMUs.

Standardized education improves nurse knowledge and confidence, but access and consistency across shifts remain challenges. A structured, evidence-based module series tailored to EMU care enhances nurse preparedness and promotes safer, more consistent patient care. Ongoing education and leadership support are essential to sustain these improvements.