SMART: Self-Management for People with Epilepsy and a History of Negative Health Events is an evidence-based program for adults with epilepsy.
Program Overview
This program was developed by researchers at Case Western Reserve University in the United States with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance epilepsy self-management.
Epilepsy Toronto has adopted this program and is offering it FREE to adult members diagnosed with epilepsy to assist them with managing their seizures and other associated negative health events. The focus of SMART is to help individuals with epilepsy feel more confident in coping with and managing their health. SMART may also help reduce how often a participant has seizures or needs to go to the hospital or emergency department. An important part of SMART is learning from each other.
The groups will be facilitated by a clinician with experience working with people living with epilepsy and co-lead by an individual (peer educator) with epilepsy, who has developed expertise by self-managing their own health.
Format
- Eight online group sessions are held over 8 to 10 weeks.
- Interactive sessions from 60- 90 minutes.
- Groups include 6 -10 adult participants.
- Follow-up telephone maintenance sessions with your epilepsy counsellor.
The session will be discussion-based and the setting will purposely maintain a welcoming and social format. Every attempt will be made to minimize any embarrassment associated with asking questions. Information-sharing will be done in an accessible manner that fosters motivation for active self-management.
Content
SMART is a psychosocial treatment that blends psychoeducation, problem identification/goal-setting, behavioural modelling/reinforcement and healthcare linkage, adapted to the community or primary care setting. The program addresses challenges imposed by stigma, stress, and limited social support. It addresses lifestyle challenges around medication compliance, sleep, exercise and nutrition as well as problem-solving and communication with a healthcare team.
Requirements
- Adults with epilepsy (25 and over).
- Newly diagnosed with epilepsy or diagnosed within the past 5 years and struggling with negative health events (frequent seizures, emergency department visits or hospitalizations).
- Computer and internet access for virtual sessions.
- Ability to commit to all 8 sessions.
Contact
Interested in participating in SMART? Please click here to be added to the waitlist.
Have questions? Email [email protected].