The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7237 p256
22 February 2003

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Chief Medical Officer: Epilepsy action plan (more)
Epilepsy bereaved (more)
National Clinical Audit of epilepsy-related death (PDF 340K)

Action plan for improvements in epilepsy services includes strategies for medicines management

Medicines management programmes are among a range of strategies contained in an epilepsy action plan launched this week by the Department of Health. The plan details how the Department will make improvements to services in response to the National Clinical Audit of Epilepsy-Related Deaths, published last May (PJ, 25 May 2002, p711), which highlighted deficiencies in the quality of care provided for patients with epilepsy in general practice and hospitals.

The plan recommends that clinicians involved in the epilepsy audit be invited to participate in future National Prescribing Centre medicines management workshops for primary care trusts. "This will lead to better awareness about managing epilepsy medication among GPs, pharmacists and other practice staff," it says. It also states that the Task Force on Medicines Partnership (based at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's headquarters) will be expected to prioritise epilepsy in its projects, and to pilot professional development for pharmacists around shared decision-making in relation to medicines.

Launching the plan, Health Minister, Jacqui Smith said: "We have taken the findings of the audit seriously and I hope that this action plan will result in improved services for people with epilepsy and their families."

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is expected to publish appraisals of newer anti-epilepsy drugs in both adults and children later this year. The appraisals will be followed by a guideline on the diagnosis, management and treatment of epilepsy in 2004.

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