HCS92-Epilepsy and Seizure Management Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Epilepsy and Seizure Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all individuals with epilepsy who receive support from {{org_field_name}} receive safe, effective, and person-centred care. This policy sets out best practices for managing epilepsy and seizures, ensuring staff are trained and competent in providing the necessary support. It aligns with the Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland), Care Inspectorate Scotland guidelines, and NHS Scotland best practices to promote the well-being and safety of people we support.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, agency workers, volunteers, and management at {{org_field_name}} who provide care or support to individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. It covers:

Recognising and responding to seizures.
Administering emergency medication when required.
Risk assessment and personalised care planning.
Monitoring, reporting, and reviewing epilepsy care.
Training and competency requirements for staff.

3. Related Policies

Medication Management Policy
Risk Assessment and Management Policy
Emergency Procedures Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy
Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy

4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

{{org_field_name}} adheres to the following legislation and regulatory frameworks:

Care Inspectorate Scotland Guidelines – Standards for managing epilepsy in care settings.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Ensuring safe working practices for supporting individuals with epilepsy.
Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 – Supporting individuals with decision-making impairments.
Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice – Guidance for professional conduct in care settings.
NICE Guidelines on Epilepsy – Clinical best practices for seizure management.

5. Individualised Epilepsy Care Planning

5.1. Person-Centred Epilepsy Care Plans

Each individual with epilepsy must have a personalised epilepsy care plan developed in consultation with healthcare professionals, family members, and the person we support. This plan should include:

Type and frequency of seizures the individual experiences.
Known triggers and strategies to minimise them.
Medication details, including emergency medication protocols.
Seizure response plan, detailing actions for different seizure types.
Post-seizure care and recovery guidelines.
Emergency escalation procedures.
Any necessary adaptations to living environments to ensure safety.
Training requirements for care staff assigned to support the individual.

5.2. Risk Assessment and Environmental Safety

To ensure the safety of people we support, a risk assessment must be completed for each individual with epilepsy. This should cover:

Environmental modifications to reduce injury risks (e.g., soft flooring, padded furniture, stair gates).
Bathroom and water safety precautions (e.g., showering instead of bathing, supervision where needed).
Monitoring requirements for individuals with severe or frequent seizures.
Protocols for lone-working staff supporting individuals with epilepsy.

6. Recognising and Managing Seizures

6.1. Types of Seizures and Their Symptoms

Staff must be trained to recognise different types of seizures, including:

Focal (Partial) Seizures – May cause unusual sensations, altered consciousness, or involuntary movements.
Generalised Tonic-Clonic Seizures – Characterised by muscle stiffening, jerking movements, and loss of consciousness.
Absence Seizures – Brief loss of awareness, staring episodes, or subtle movements.
Atonic Seizures – Sudden loss of muscle control, leading to falls.
Myoclonic Seizures – Sudden, brief jerking of muscles.

6.2. Responding to a Seizure

During a seizure, staff must:

Stay calm and ensure the person’s safety.
Remove nearby hazards to prevent injury.
Time the seizure and observe its characteristics.
Support breathing by placing the individual in a safe position (e.g., side-lying recovery position if necessary).
Avoid restraining movements or placing anything in the person’s mouth.
Offer reassurance once the seizure subsides and help with recovery.

7. Emergency Medication and Escalation Procedures

7.1. Administration of Emergency Medication

Some individuals may require emergency medication (e.g., buccal midazolam, rectal diazepam) to stop prolonged seizures. Staff must:

Receive formal training and certification before administering emergency medication.
Follow the individual’s epilepsy care plan for dosage and administration.
Document medication administration accurately and report any concerns.

7.2. When to Call Emergency Services (999 or 112)

If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
If the person has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness.
If breathing becomes difficult or abnormal post-seizure.
If the seizure occurs in water or a hazardous situation.
If the individual has no prior history of seizures.
If injury occurs during the seizure.

8. Post-Seizure Care and Recovery

Ensure privacy and dignity while the person recovers.
Allow time for rest and reassurance.
Monitor for confusion, drowsiness, or ongoing symptoms.
Document the seizure event, triggers, duration, and recovery observations.
Inform healthcare professionals or family if necessary.

9. Training and Competency of Staff

All staff supporting individuals with epilepsy must complete:

Epilepsy awareness training during induction.
Specialist training for emergency medication administration.
Regular refresher training to maintain competency.
Scenario-based assessments to ensure confidence in responding to seizures.

10. Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All seizure incidents must be recorded in the incident log.
Incident reports should be reviewed to identify patterns and potential triggers.
Care plans must be updated following significant seizure events.
Feedback from people we support and healthcare professionals should be used to improve seizure management practices.

11. Responsibilities of Management

Management at {{org_field_name}} is responsible for:

Ensuring compliance with epilepsy management protocols.
Providing training and refresher courses for staff.
Ensuring all care plans are up to date and risk assessments are regularly reviewed.
Investigating incidents and making necessary improvements.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier in response to legislative changes, Care Inspectorate feedback, or operational needs. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff.

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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.