Role of the Epilepsy Specialist Nurse: findings from a case study analysis

Background: Epilepsy is a common, complex neurological condition with a prevalence of approximately 9 per 1,000 in Ireland. Although some studies exists which suggest that the Epilepsy Specialist Nurse (ESN) role has a... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Epilepsy is a common, complex neurological condition with a prevalence of approximately 9 per 1,000 in Ireland. Although some studies exists which suggest that the Epilepsy Specialist Nurse (ESN) role has a positive impact on patient care few studies have formally explored or documented the role of the ESN using systematic methods.

Aim & Objectives
Funded by Epilepsy Ireland [EI] and the Health Research Board [HRB], the Specialist Epilepsy NurSe Evaluation [SENSE] study aims to identify the role, impact and cost-effectiveness of the Epilepsy Specialist Nurse [ESN] in Ireland. The focus of this paper is on one of the objectives of the study which was on the role of the Epilepsy Nurse Specialist

Method
A case study methodology based on the National SCAPE study evaluation of Clinical Specialists (surveys, interviews, process mapping and observation) was used in this study. To achieve the above objective the following data was collected: individual interviews were conducted with 12 ESN’s and 22 members of the multidisciplinary team, 5 focus groups were carried out with 30 patient/carers, 30 hours of observation of ESN and documentary analysis was completed for the 12 ESN included in the study.
Data was analysed using template analysis. Ethical approval to conduct the study was given by Trinity College Dublin and each of the participating clinical sites.
Findings
Preliminary data analysis suggests that ESN has a significant clinical, audit and clinical leadership role. The research and professional leadership aspect of the role while well developed by some of the ESN’s is at a developmental stage for others. Further data analysis is ongoing to determine patient and carers views of the role.

Conclusions & Implications
Preliminary results suggest that the ESN role incorporates clinical functions, audit, research in addition to clinical and professional leadership. The findings have significant implication for the future development and resourcing of the ESN role in Ireland.