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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides a safe, supportive, and effective approach to managing service users with epilepsy. This policy outlines best practices for recognition, treatment, monitoring, and emergency response for residents experiencing seizures. It ensures that all staff are trained in epilepsy awareness and seizure management while promoting a person-centred approach to care. This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, NICE Guidelines, and the Epilepsy Society’s Best Practice Standards to provide safe, effective, and individualised epilepsy care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members at {{org_field_name}}, including care workers, nurses, support staff, and external healthcare professionals involved in the care and support of residents with epilepsy. It covers procedures for assessing, monitoring, treating, and preventing epilepsy-related complications while ensuring that residents’ rights, dignity, and well-being are prioritised. This policy also applies to families, advocates, and external medical professionals who may contribute to the management of a resident’s epilepsy care.

3. Principles of Epilepsy Management

Person-Centred Care and Individualised Plans:

• Each resident with epilepsy will have a personalised epilepsy care plan, developed in collaboration with the resident, family members, and healthcare professionals.
• Care plans will include seizure types, triggers, frequency, medication regimens, emergency protocols, and lifestyle considerations.
• Residents will be supported in understanding their condition, enabling them to participate in decision-making where possible.
• Regular reviews of epilepsy care plans will be conducted to adjust to changes in seizure patterns, treatment efficacy, and resident preferences.

Recognising and Responding to Seizures:

• Staff will be trained to identify different types of seizures, including focal, tonic-clonic, absence, and atonic seizures.
• Staff must provide calm, reassuring support during a seizure and ensure resident safety by preventing injuries (e.g., clearing the area, providing cushioning for the head).
• Seizures should be timed and recorded in the resident’s care records, noting duration, severity, and any possible triggers.
• If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, staff must follow the emergency response protocol, which may include administering emergency medication and calling for medical assistance.

Medication Management for Epilepsy:

• Staff will administer anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and rescue medications in accordance with the Medication Management and Administration Policy (CHW21).
• Medication adherence will be monitored closely, and any missed doses or side effects must be reported to the appropriate healthcare professional.
• Staff must be trained in the administration of emergency medications, such as buccal midazolam or rectal diazepam, ensuring safe and effective use.
• Medication reviews will be conducted regularly in collaboration with healthcare professionals to adjust dosages or explore alternative treatments if necessary.

Seizure Triggers and Lifestyle Considerations:

• Staff will work with residents to identify and minimise seizure triggers, such as stress, fatigue, dehydration, flashing lights, or missed medications.
• Residents will be supported in maintaining regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and stress management techniques.
• Appropriate risk assessments will be conducted for activities such as bathing, using electrical appliances, or engaging in physical exercise to ensure safety.

Emergency Seizure Response Protocols:

• If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if a resident experiences multiple seizures without recovery, staff must immediately call emergency services (999).
• Staff must be trained to position the resident safely, protect them from injury, and provide post-seizure care (monitor breathing, offer reassurance, and check for injuries).
• Post-seizure observations must be documented, and any trends in prolonged or increased seizure frequency must be escalated to healthcare professionals.
• All emergency seizure incidents must be reported, recorded, and reviewed to improve care plans and prevent future complications.

Staff Training and Competency Development:

• All staff must complete mandatory epilepsy awareness training, including types of seizures, triggers, first aid, and emergency response protocols.
• Nurses and senior care staff must be trained in the administration of emergency seizure medication, ensuring compliance with regulatory and clinical guidelines.
• Regular refresher training will be provided to ensure that all staff remain competent, confident, and updated on best practices in epilepsy care.
• Staff must document all epilepsy-related care and report any concerns promptly to the Registered Manager or designated healthcare professional.

Communication with Families and Healthcare Professionals:

• Families and advocates will be involved in care planning and seizure management discussions, ensuring that care aligns with the resident’s preferences.
• Regular communication with GPs, neurologists, and epilepsy nurses will be maintained to optimise treatment and review medication effectiveness.
• Any changes in seizure patterns or medical needs must be promptly communicated to healthcare professionals for further evaluation.

4. Related Policies

• CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CHW21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy

5. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes, CIW updates, or emerging best practices in epilepsy management. Regular care audits, staff training reviews, and seizure incident reports will be conducted to ensure compliance with CIW and NICE guidelines.

• Trends in seizure activity will be monitored to assess medication efficacy and seizure management effectiveness.
• Staff competency assessments will be conducted regularly to ensure proper knowledge and skills in epilepsy care.
• Feedback from residents, families, and healthcare professionals will be used to improve epilepsy management strategies.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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