Patients' knowledge on epilepsy and SUDEP improves after a semi-structured health interview.

BACKGROUND: Patients' education is the most relevant contributor to patient self-management of epilepsy. We aimed to assess the acquisition of knowledge after a semi-structured interview. METHODS: We performed a quasi-experimental prospective study with a cohort of patients with epilepsy admitted for prolonged video electroencephalogram (VEEG). We measured patients' baseline knowledge with a 10-item true-false test (test A). Then, a qualified nurse carried out a semi-structured interview. We measured acquired knowledge with another 10-item true-false exam (test B), prior to VEEG discharge and after a 3- to 5-month follow-up, and we compared the difference between the scores in test A and test B. Finally, we conducted a satisfaction and suitability survey on the interview at follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients participated, half were women. Their median age was 39.5, and the median length of schooling was 14 years. The median time since epilepsy onset was 13 years, 75% had suffered tonic-clonic seizures. The median score on test A was 7, while the median score on test B was 8.5 (p < 0.001) both at VEEG discharge and after follow-up. After the interview, 84.4% of participants reported that they were very satisfied with the information received; 87.5% stated that they had not previously heard about SUDEP (sudden unexpected dead in epilepsy); and 93.8% considered it important to receive detailed information about SUDEP. CONCLUSIONS: Patient education through a semi-structured comprehensive interview improves knowledge of patients with epilepsy about their disease. The calm atmosphere and the qualified nursing working at VEEG units make them an appropriate setting for talking about epilepsy and its risks, including SUDEP.