The 15-Year Evolution of an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Program

The establishment of epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs) has enhanced the diagnosis and treatment of people living with epilepsy. As demand for specialized care grows, more health care institutions are incorporating EMU programs, making the journey from initial concept to daily operations increasingly complex.

Best practices, successes, challenges, and quality initiatives can guide stakeholders in promoting positive patient outcomes. Sharing our experiences of health care professionals may provide valuable insights for other institutions starting their EMUs. The inclusion of an advanced practice nurse to coordinate and implement spheres of care, growth, and evolution of the EMU program can become an integral part of everyday operations. Quality data collected is vital for this ongoing process. Integrating modern science and technology is key to fiscal responsibility, educational advancement, evidence-based practices, and improved patient outcomes. The plan-do-study-act quality initiatives and qualitative data were incorporated into the action planning processes.

Efforts over the past 15 years have provided the groundwork and growth of the EMU. One quality indicator was ≤60 seconds for a clinician should respond to an event. The average time remained over 94% with some variables. Two impactful variables were related to staffing ratios, or that the nurses were providing care to another patient.

Through the efforts of a multidisciplinary team, the evolution of the journey from creation to an active EMU program remains progressive. A chronicle of that journey was documented to share various aspects over the years. Despite many challenges over the years, the EMU program has grown and continues to evolve.