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Title: Measuring Transition Readiness in Adolescents with Epilepsy: Opportunities and Challenges

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to create a process to evaluate self-care knowledge and transition readiness in adolescents with epilepsy.

METHODS: Quality Improvement Project (QIP) methodology was used to administer the Safety, Awareness, and Familiarity regarding Epilepsy in Teenage Years (SAFETY) questionnaire. Staff education and training was addressed in the first PDSA series. Adolescent epilepsy patients 13-18 years were recruited. Other PDSA cycles included addressing loss of forms and forms without patient identifiers, inclusion exceptions and modifying the scripting to identify the value of the assessment so patients felt more comfortable participating. (Table 1) The outcome measure, percentage of completed self-care assessment tool (SAFETY) was calculated based on the number of adolescent epilepsy patients who kept their appointment in the Neurology clinic and completed the survey. Evaluation of the outcome measure was displayed via an annotated run chart. (Figure1)

RESULTS: The number of self-care assessments completed increased from 0% to above 85% from November 2020 through July 2020 (170 completed assessments out of 193 possible opportunities). Barriers included assessment in cognitively delayed patients, missed appointments and language barriers. The process was firmly adopted in the department continues to be in place two years later. Patients were willing to complete the assessment when the intent and benefit were explained.

CONCLUSIONS: Self-care evaluation and transition readiness can be easily measured in adolescents with epilepsy and facilitates the implementation of additional interventions that address education and transition of our epilepsy patients. Based on these evaluations, we initiated a self-care and transition readiness education plan.
Keywords: epilepsy, transition, education