A telephone-based self-management program for people with epilepsy

The study was conducted to test the feasibility of a telephone-based self-management program for adults with epilepsy. The program was based on social cognitive theory and principles of motivational interviewing (MI). Twenty-two adults with epilepsy were recruited from hospital-based epilepsy clinics. The mean age of participants was 43 years, and 68% were men. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Those in the intervention group received a five-session intervention with a nurse trained in MI counseling. Following an in-person introductory session, the remaining four sessions were conducted by phone. Ninety-five percent of the 55 planned MI sessions and the 44 planned courtesy calls for those in the control group were completed, demonstrating high acceptance of the program. Participants were very satisfied with the program and noted the benefits of the telephone delivery method. Analysis of outcomes provided support for continued development and testing of the program.