G40(P) A clinical service evaluation of psychology provision for children and young people with epilepsy, and their families

This service evaluation aims to ascertain if there is a need for increased psychology provision for children and young people with a diagnosis of epilepsy. Sixteen parents completed a survey based on the PedsQL Epilepsy module – Parent version (Young Children-Varni, 1988) and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman,1997) prior to their child’s outpatient epilepsy appointment. The child or young person’s level, impact and longevity of difficulties, in addition to the family burden were measured. Each question was scored and presented in a pie chart. Two parents reported that their child and family had previous psychological support which was helpful. 81% of parents reported that their child had some level of difficulties impacting their emotions, concentration, behaviour and relationships and 75% reported some level of concern about their child’s quality of life in relation to their epilepsy. 37.5% of parents felt that these difficulties cause their child quite a lot of distress, and in 12.5%, a great deal of distress. 62.5% of parents report that these difficulties have been present for over a year. 68.8% of parents said that their child’s difficulties caused some level of burden, with 12.5% report feeling a great deal of burden on their family. 62.5% of parents stated that it would be very likely that they would engage with psychological support. The majority of parents who completed the survey felt that epilepsy impacts negatively on their child’s emotions, concentration, behaviour, relationships and quality of life and they would consider engaging with psychological support around their child’s epilepsy. The findings emphasise that this population has an increased level of need for support around their psychological wellbeing. Moreover, there is a desire for additional psychological support for children and young people with epilepsy, and their families. Recommendations for the service have been made in light of these findings.