Improving Services: Children and Youth with Epilepsy and other Seizure Disorders
Epilepsy is a neurological condition which affects the nervous system and is defined by at least two (2) unprovoked seizures less than 24 hours apart. Seizure disorder is a general term used to describe any condition in which seizures may be a symptom.Epilepsy is also referred to as Seizure Disorder. 1 in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime.
We believe that everyone benefitswhen healthcare professionals and families work together to improve care. Through a new project, we are:
- Informing the public and medical providers about epilepsy symptoms and access to care through web-based resources, workshops, and family events, in partnership with Abilities Network/Epilepsy Foundation Chesapeake Region
- Empowering families to be an equal and essential part of the healthcare team by promoting and supporting family engagement in quality improvement in healthcare for children with epilepsy.
- Supporting family leaders and pediatricians in working together on improvement teams called Learning Collaboratives, which will create the partnerships necessary to comprehensive and coordinated health care.
About the Project
The Parents’ Place of Maryland and the Office for Genetics and People with Special Health Care Needs (OGPSHCN) from the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are working to improve access to care for children with Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Through a three-year grant from the Health Resources Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, “Improving Awareness and Access to Care for Children and Youth with Epilepsy and other Seizure Disorders in Maryland” our aim is to:
- Increase awareness of signs and symptoms of epilepsy and seizure disorders;
- Make services easier to use and better organized for families;
- Increase the number of adolescents who begin to take responsibility for their own healthcare needs;
- Increase family involvement and family-professional partnerships; and
- Increase the number of Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs who have access to a Medical Home .
Our project partners include the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Abilities Network/Epilepsy Foundation Chesapeake Region, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and Children’s National Health Network, part of the Children’s National Health System.
For more information, contact Stacy Taylor at stacy@ppmd.org. Learn more about project activities.
