Community health workers (CHWs) can improve health outcomes, but their role in epilepsy care remains limited. This paper outlines how adding CHWs to epilepsy care teams can help reduce health inequities by addressing patients’ social and personal needs. It presents a practical model for how epilepsy centers can work with CHWs, healthcare systems, and community partners to … [Read more...] about Innovating the practice of epilepsy care to improve patient outcomes: a model for community health worker integration
Epilepsy
Utilizing an mHealth Platform and Community Health Workers to Enhance Epilepsy Screening and Treatment in a Rural Setting in Mali: A Closed Cohort Study
This study tested using mobile health tools to help community health workers in rural Mali screen and treat epilepsy. In 17 villages, workers used a phone app to record patient data and share it with neurologists remotely. Of 64 suspected cases, 61 were confirmed. After six months of treatment, nearly 90% of patients had no seizures in the previous month, and most stayed in … [Read more...] about Utilizing an mHealth Platform and Community Health Workers to Enhance Epilepsy Screening and Treatment in a Rural Setting in Mali: A Closed Cohort Study
Clinician and Patient Readiness to Engage with Community Health Workers at Epilepsy Care Centers
This study looked at how ready epilepsy care teams are to work with Community Health Workers (CHWs). A survey of doctors, nurses, and social workers showed that most knew little about CHWs or their training. Still, many saw gaps in care for patients with epilepsy, especially related to social issues, and believed CHWs could help. Even without much experience with CHWs, most … [Read more...] about Clinician and Patient Readiness to Engage with Community Health Workers at Epilepsy Care Centers
Community-based epilepsy care in an onchocerciasis-endemic area: A 3-year cohort study in Mahenge, Tanzania
In Mahenge, Tanzania, a community-based epilepsy care program helped reduce seizures and improve medication adherence among people with epilepsy in a region affected by onchocerciasis. Community health workers screened for epilepsy, distributed antiseizure medications (ASMs), promoted ivermectin use for onchocerciasis, and monitored progress monthly. The program significantly … [Read more...] about Community-based epilepsy care in an onchocerciasis-endemic area: A 3-year cohort study in Mahenge, Tanzania
Prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy in a Tanzanian region after a prolonged community-directed treatment with ivermectin
A study conducted in Mahenge, Tanzania, aimed to assess the prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy after 25 years of ivermectin treatment. Community health workers (CHWs) played a key role by conducting door-to-door household surveys, screening individuals for epilepsy, and helping with onchocerciasis testing. The study found that 11.8% of children tested positive for … [Read more...] about Prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy in a Tanzanian region after a prolonged community-directed treatment with ivermectin
