A randomized controlled trial of a manual-based psychosocial group intervention for young people with epilepsy [PIE]

• Published in: Epilepsy & behavior Vol. 72; pp. 89 - 98
• Main Authors: Dorris, Liam, Broome, Helen, Wilson, Margaret, Grant, Cathy, Young, David, Baker, Gus, Balloo, Selina, Bruce, Susan, Campbell, Jo, Concannon, Bernie, Conway, Nadia, Cook, Lisa, Davis, Cheryl, Downey, Bruce, Evans, Jon, Flower, Diane, Garlovsky, Jack, Kearney, Shauna, Lewis, Susan, Stephens, Victoria, Turton, Stuart, Wright, Ingram
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-07-2017
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adolescents; Caregivers - psychology; Child; Epilepsy - diagnosis; Epilepsy - psychology; Epilepsy - therapy; Epilepsy knowledge; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Group intervention; Humans; Learning; Male; Neurology; Paediatric epilepsy; Psychosocial; Psychosocial Support Systems; Psychotherapy, Group - methods; Quality of Life - psychology; Randomized controlled trial; Self Care - methods; Self Care - psychology; Paediatric epilepsy; Psychosocial; Adolescents; Randomized controlled trial; Epilepsy knowledge; Group intervention
• ISSN: 1525-5050; 1525-5069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.04.007

Abstract We conducted an exploratory RCT to examine feasibility and preliminary efficacy for a manual-based psychosocial group intervention aimed at improving epilepsy knowledge, self-management skills, and quality of life in young people with epilepsy. Method Eighty-three participants (33:50 m/f; age range 12–17 years) were randomized to either the treatment or control group in seven tertiary paediatric neuroscience centres in the UK, using a wait-list control design. Participants were excluded if they reported suicidal ideation and/or scored above the cut off on mental health screening measures, or if they had a learning disability or other neurological disorder. The intervention consisted of six weekly 2-hour sessions using guided discussion, group exercises and role-plays facilitated by an epilepsy nurse and a clinical psychologist. Results At three month follow up the treatment group (n = 40) was compared with a wait-list control group (n = 43) on a range of standardized measures. There was a significant increase in epilepsy knowledge in the treatment group ( p = 0.02). Participants receiving the intervention were also significantly more confident in speaking to others about their epilepsy ( p = 0.04). Quality of life measures did not show significant change. Participants reported the greatest value of attending the group was: Learning about their epilepsy (46%); Learning to cope with difficult feelings (29%); and Meeting others with epilepsy (22%). Caregiver and facilitator feedback was positive, and 92% of participants would recommend the group to others. Conclusion This brief psychosocial group intervention was effective in increasing participants' knowledge of epilepsy and improved confidence in discussing their epilepsy with others. We discuss the qualitative feedback, feasibility, strengths and limitations of the PIE trial.