Author Response: FACETS of health disparities in epilepsy surgery and gaps that need to be addressed

We appreciate the comment by Dr. Sethi highlighting the reluctance of some patients to obtain surgery. The disparity seen in epilepsy surgery utilized by African American and Hispanic patients compared to non-Hispanic white patients suggests that specific factors disproportionately affect these groups. We proposed FACETS as a framework to begin to understand and study these potential factors.1 We agree that dedication, perseverance, and continuity of care are valuable interventions that may drive epilepsy surgery. We are also concerned that delay in epilepsy surgery may lead to preventable morbidity and mortality.2 We should actively work at breaking down the barriers that cause delay and underutilization of epilepsy surgery for all patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Source: Neurology Clinical Practice - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: The Nerve! Readers Speak Source Type: research