Evaluation of the chronic disease self-management program in adults with epilepsy in a nationwide community network

Self-management is important for effective care for people living with epilepsy. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is an evidence-based program that improves health outcomes and lifestyle behaviors in chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. We describe initial results from a program evaluation of the CDSMP in adults with epilepsy.

The Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) recruited adults with epilepsy to participate in the CDSMP through its nationwide community network. The program included 6 workshops held weekly online or by phone and led by trained facilitators. At program outset and at 1 and 6 months after completion, participants reported on measures of epilepsy self-management (Epilepsy Self-Management Scale, ESMS), self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease, SEMCD), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8, PHQ-8), and self-rated health. Participants and EFA sites delivering the program in their communities provided qualitative feedback.

Across 8 EFA sites, 99 adults with epilepsy completed the CDMSP. Evaluation measure scores at 1 and 6 months after program completion showed improvement in epilepsy self-management, self-efficacy, and depression, but no change in self-rated health. Feedback from staff, facilitators, and participants suggested the program was well-received and recommended strategies to strengthen planning, recruitment, and delivery.

The CDSMP can be implemented in a community-based network for adults living with epilepsy. Initial participant outcomes suggest that program completion is associated with improvements in epilepsy self-management, self-efficacy, and depression. The CDSMP is a beneficial addition to community-based resources that promote disease self-management in adults with epilepsy.