Identifying the educational needs of physicians in pediatric epilepsy in order to improve care: results from a needs assessment in Germany, Spain, and the United States.

The objective of this study was to gather evidence-based data on the educational needs of neuropediatricians. A needs assessment was conducted to identify the clinical challenges of physicians when diagnosing, medically treating, and managing pediatric patients with epilepsy; which could be addressed through educational interventions. A two-phase mixed-methods approach was used to conduct the needs assessment in Germany, Spain, and the US. Phase 1 consisted of qualitative data collection through multiple sources: a literature review, semi-structured interviews with clinicians and nurses working in pediatric epilepsy, and interpretation and input from faculty experts. Qualitative data were coded (NVivo) and analyzed using a thematic analysis, and findings were then used to design the second phase. Phase 2 consisted of quantitative data collection through an online survey that aimed to validate the identified challenges and underlying causes using a larger sample than in Phase 1. Data from the survey were analyzed using frequency tabulations and chi-square tests (SPSS). A total of 267 participants were included in the study. Phase 1 included 88 participants (neurologists, pediatricians, neuropediatricians, and nurses). Phase 2 included 179 participants (neurologists, pediatricians, and neuropediatricians). The main areas of challenge which emerged from the triangulated data included: the integration of guidelines into practice, identification of epilepsy and epilepsy events, integration of genetic testing into practice, integration of non-pharmacological treatments, transition from pediatric to adult care, and involvement and engagement with caregivers. Underlying causes of these challenges are reported, along with supporting qualitative findings. This study identified the educational needs of physicians working in pediatric epilepsy in Germany, Spain and the USA. Increasingly, educational interventions are required to be evidence-based. The results of this study could be used to design such interventions to support neuropediatricians who wish to specialize in pediatric epileptology, in order to manage the identified challenges.

In situ repair of vagus nerve stimulator lead damage: technical note.

Vagus nerve stimulators (VNSs) are currently an accepted treatment for intractable epilepsy not amenable to ablative surgery. Battery death and lead damage are the main reasons for reoperation in patients with VNSs. In general, any damage to the lead requires revision surgery to remove the helical electrodes from the vagus nerve and replace the electrode array and wire. The electrodes are typically scarred and difficult to remove from the vagus nerve without injury. The authors describe 6 patients with VNSs who presented with low lead impedance on diagnostic testing, leading to the intraoperative finding of lead insulation disruption, or who were found incidentally at the time of implantable pulse generator battery replacement to have a tear in the outer insulation of the electrode wire. Instead of replacement, the wire insulation was repaired and reinforced in situ, leading to normal impedance testing. All 6 devices remained functional over a follow-up period of up to 87 months, with 2 of the 6 patients having a relatively shorter follow-up of only 12 months. This technique, applicable in a subset of patients with VNSs requiring lead exploration, obviates the need for lead replacement with its attendant risks.