Comprehensive Nursing Program for Children with Epilepsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a relatively common childhood neurological disease. Children with epilepsy need to take precautions to  minimize seizure damage in order to adapt to seizures and manage them. 

Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and  effects of a comprehensive nursing program for children with epilepsy to reduce children’s symptoms of epilepsy. 

Subject and Methods:  Participants were children suffering from epilepsy between 2019 and 2021 at Ningbo Women and Children’s Hospital. Seventy  children were included in a randomized controlled trial with a comprehensive nursing group (CNG) and an active control group (ACG).  Measurements were assessed pre‑ and post‑intervention and at a one‑ and three‑month follow‑ups. Children in the CNG learned and  practiced the strategies related to the comprehensive nursing intervention. The outcomes were anxiety and depression. 

Results: The results showed that anxiety and depression scores were significantly lower in the CNG than the ACG at 1 and 3 months after intervention  (P < 0.05). According to the feasibility results, whereas most participants believed that the program was informative and meaningful, a  minority reported that it was time‑consuming.

Conclusion: The intervention has the potential to support children with epilepsy. The  program is easily accessible, cost‑effective and could be implemented in epilepsy care rehabilitation.