Service users' preferences and feasibility – which alternative care pathway for adult ambulance users achieves the optimal balance? Workshops for the COLLABORATE project

Studies from around the world show ambulances frequently attend to adults with epilepsy and convey them to hospital emergency departments (EDs) [1 –4]. In England, suspected seizures are the 7th most common presentation to the ambulance service; [2,5] ∼70% are conveyed to ED. The population attending ED for a suspected seizure is mixed and includes people with varying needs. For some, attendance at ED will be important, potentially lifesav ing. Having said this, ED attendance for most seen by ambulance for a suspected seizure will offer minimal benefit since most have established (rather than new) epilepsy; present with a non-emergency state (e.g., uncomplicated seizure); and the attendance does not instigate improvements in ambulator y care [2,6-11].
Source: Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research