Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Levels of Family Physicians on Epilepsy Management in Türkiye: Pre- and Post-Education...

Family physicians (FPs) are directly responsible for the care of people with epilepsy. However, their education about epilepsy may be inadequate or lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the basic knowledge and self-efficacy levels regarding epilepsy among FPs and to identify their educational needs in managing epilepsy.

The sample for this pre-test-intervention-post-test study consisted of 60 FPs. FPs attended a four-hour training on epilepsy management. The effectiveness of the training was assessed with the Epilepsy Knowledge and Self-Efficacy (EKSE) scale before and after the training. In addition, a survey was conducted to determine the problems encountered in the follow-up of epilepsy patients and their training needs.

60 physicians participated in the study [37 males (61.7%), mean age 37.97±8.92 years and professional duration 80.48±70.59 months]. While the total EKSE score of FPs was 90.23±10.97 before the training, it increased to 112.3±15.26 points after the training (p<0.001). After the training, significant score increases were observed in all subcomponents of the EKSE compared to before the training. After the training, there was a significant improvement in the physicians' ability to recognize diseases accompanying epilepsy, to have sufficient knowledge about antiseizure medications, and to follow up patients with epilepsy compared to before the training (p<0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.002, respectively).

This study demonstrated that FPs have need for education regarding epilepsy management and that the education provided has a positive impact.