The provision of epilepsy care across Europe 2017: A 17‐year follow‐up survey

Abstract

Summary Objective To assess the resources available in the provision of epilepsy care across Europe and the developments since the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) survey published in 2003 (data collected in 2000). Methods An updated online version of the European Epilepsy Services Inventory was distributed to all European chapters of the ILAE (N = 47) and responses were obtained from 33 chapters (response rate 70%). To assess trends and allow comparisons with the survey published in 2003, the responding countries were divided into 4 groups (Western, Central, Southern, and Eastern). Responses from European Union (EU) member states are reported as a subgroup (N = 23), since the current survey is a part of the EU‐funded European Study on the Burden and Care of Epilepsy (ESBACE, https://www.esbace.eu). Results The total number of physicians involved in epilepsy care had increased since 2000, with the largest increase seen for neurologists. The gap between the best‐ and the least‐provided areas with regard to the competence of the providers had diminished. However, the density of comprehensive multidisciplinary epilepsy teams had not changed to any greater degree. The main problems reported by the chapters were to a large extent the same as in 2000 and included lack of specialists and specialist care, lack or underuse of epilepsy surgery, and problems regarding financing and resource allocation. Several chapters also highlighted problems with healthcare structure and organization. Significance Although there have been some improvements concerning the availability of care for people with epilepsy in Europe over the last 17 years, there are still a number of problem areas with little improvement or where there are important regional differences.

Socioeconomic outcome and access to care in adults with epilepsy in Sweden: A nationwide cohort study

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MRI Features and Significance of Serum miRNAs and Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

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Lost in Transition: The Long and Winding Road Toward Epilepsy Surgery—An Analysis of Obstacles Prior to Surgery and Call for Orchestrated Health Care Efforts in Epilepsy

“…34 Data from other parts of the world show a similar scenario. 35,36 This is deplorable for the patients who have to live with their disease despite available treatment options, as well as for care providers and the public, as multiple studies have shown the cost effectiveness of surgical care for appropriate candidates. 37 A future comprehensive algorithm for progressively escalating evaluations of epilepsy patients should hence be supported by health politics and insurance carriers as well.…”