Empowerment within Irish epilepsy services: An exploratory analysis

Background Empowerment is seen as an integral component of holistic practice and service design in health care, particularly as it relates to the improvement of quality of life for people with epilepsy. However, empowerment... [ view full abstract ]

Background

Empowerment is seen as an integral component of holistic practice and service design in health care, particularly as it relates to the improvement of quality of life for people with epilepsy. However, empowerment is a neglected and poorly understood concept by both service users and providers within epilepsy services.

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore and analyze the Irish epilepsy service as a system with reference to the dimensions of empowerment.

Method

A qualitative critical design using Richie and Spencer’s frameworks analysis was used. Both in depth interviews (people with epilepsy (n=10) and service providers (n=7)) and an observation of service were conducted within one epilepsy service in Ireland. Ethical approval was granted by Waterford Institute of Technology and St James’s Hospital Research Ethics Committees.

Findings

Results indicate that service providers are empowered however a lack of empowerment in people with epilepsy is highlighted. The antecedents and consequences of empowerment are recognized and participant’s identified the micro and macro levels of power that impact upon their experiences of empowerment. Suggestions to facilitate the provision of epilepsy services that are empowering are offered.

Conclusions and Implications

This study is both timely and relevant in relation to empowerment and the broader issues of health policy, service design, and delivery in relation to the development of epilepsy health care.