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Biomedical subjects

P O Shafer

Publications and source records attributed to P O Shafer.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Health issues for women with epilepsy: a descriptive survey to assess knowledge and awareness among healthcare providers.

The American Academy of Neurology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently issued practice parameters for women with epilepsy. These parameters suggest optimal care practices. To assess knowledge of the issues covered in the parameters and to facilitate educational efforts to promote best care, the Epilepsy Foundation conducted a survey of healthcare professionals likely to provide care to women with epilepsy. The survey sampled 3535 healthcare professionals across a wide range of specialties. Most respondents did not know the specific effects of estrogen and progesterone on the seizure threshold, were not aware of menstrual-associated seizure patterns, and could not identify which antiepileptic drugs interfere with oral contraceptives. The majority of respondents did not know that women with epilepsy have higher rates of infertility, reproductive endocrine disorders, and sexual dysfunction. Most respondents did not know the frequency of birth defects in children born to women with epilepsy. Providers seeing the largest number of persons with epilepsy were more likely to have correct answers. By specialty, neurologists provided the highest number of correct responses, followed (in descending order) by endocrinologists, obstetricians/gynecologists, internal medicine physicians, family practice physicians, and pediatricians. These results suggest that women with epilepsy are not receiving adequate counseling and that care practices may not conform to those recommended.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1999

New therapies in the management of acute or cluster seizures and seizure emergencies.

Acute repetitive seizures, also known as cluster or serial seizures, may present considerable health risks, including death, to patients with epilepsy and often are a cause of psychosocial stigma. Fortunately, new formulations and drug-delivery systems approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the past 5 years offer patients and health care providers greater control over acute repetitive seizures and emergency situations. Drugs that can be given intravenously, such as diazepam, phenytoin and valproate sodium solution, typically have the most rapid onset but are limited to use in clinical settings by health care professionals authorized to use them. In contrast, diazepam rectal gel can be administered to patients by their caregivers or family members in the home or in other non-hospital settings. Studies have shown that rectal diazepam used in such settings can reduce the number of emergency room visits, costs associated with emergent care and stress on the patient and family. Health education is necessary to help patients and families understand new treatment options and use them successfully. Additionally, facilitating patient compliance with prescribed treatment regimens may reduce the frequency and consequences of seizure emergencies.

Administration, Rectal↗
PubMed1999

Epilepsy and seizures: advances in seizure assessment, treatment, and self-management.

The scope of providing care for people with epilepsy and seizures has expanded dramatically in recent years. The tremendous growth in our understanding, along with new and innovative treatment options has increased the likelihood of seizure control and improved quality of life for many people. The ability to more accurately diagnose seizures will be enhanced by new seizure assessment guidelines. A fuller appreciation of the patient's perspective will aid nurses in their support of self-management practices. The new millennium will challenge nurses to enhance self-management education in more diverse practice settings, geographical areas, and patient populations.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Counseling women with epilepsy.

All persons with epilepsy have a right to timely, accurate, culturally sensitive information that will help them manage their seizures and their lives successfully. The goals of counseling are to provide guidance for women with epilepsy in making informed choices, to promote self-management practices that will decrease health risks, and to provide comprehensive answers about relevant issues. Four broad areas that should be covered in counseling women with epilepsy include access to care, unique health needs of women with epilepsy, personal care and safety, and social and community relationships. These are described here in more detail.

Counseling↗
PubMed1997

Hormone-sensitive seizures in women with epilepsy.

Until the associations between seizures and hormones are better understood, finding appropriate therapies for hormone-sensitive seizures remains problematic. Most importantly, women with epilepsy need information about the complex interactions of brain function, hormones, seizures, and medications. Nurses can educate women concerning the hormonal aspects of epilepsy and methods of assessing seizures in relation to menstrual patterns. Nurses can also serve as patient advocates, ensuring that their patients are heard, and that they have access to appropriate care and are informed about therapeutic options that can improve seizure control and quality of life.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Nursing support of epilepsy self-management.

Self-management techniques for epilepsy can encompass any treatment or behavior that may enhance seizure control, minimize side effects and risks, promote adaptation, and enhance quality of life. Nursing support of self-management involves assessing a variety of factors, but, ultimately, nurses' promotion of responsibility and their offer of support and care may make the most difference in the success of any self-management approach.

Epilepsy↗
PubMed1993

When a parent has epilepsy.

I have just ended year one of being a parent. Though I have presented many difficulties of being a parent with epilepsy, there are many more joys. The most important thing for nurses to remember is that a person with epilepsy can become a parent, often without difficulty. For others, living with epilepsy will pose special concerns or problems that may complicate the parenting role.

Adaptation, Psychological↗