Epilepsy Foundation Launches a New Research Initiative to Improve Epilepsy Care

In 2008, the Epilepsy Foundation launched a 5-year initiative, the Targeted Research Initiative for Health Outcomes grant program. Health outcomes research encompasses a wide range of activities and targets an important need for research to understand how different parts of health care systems affect what ultimately happens to people with epilepsy.

The primary purpose of this initiative is to improve the health care of people with epilepsy. It has a broad focus because it addresses many important areas of the health care process and how such areas affect people with epilepsy. Researchers will study different methods of care and how they affect patients; and what the specific health care needs are that will lead to better care for people with epilepsy.

“Considering that it was the first year of the initiative, the Foundation received a good response and very impressive proposals,” said Dr. Samuel Wiebe, Chair of the Health Outcomes Initiative. “I am confident that this initiative will provide data that will ultimately

2008 Targeted Research Initiative for Health Outcomes Awardees

Stephen Bowman, Ph.D.
ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Injury patterns, outcomes and disparities in people with epilepsy
This project compares hospital outcomes for injured people with epilepsy with similar people who do not have epilepsy. The investigator will look at whether people with epilepsy receive the same care and treatment as people who do not have epilepsy. A comparison of where deaths occur is also included to see if people with epilepsy are more likely to die before reaching a hospital.
$50,000

Hyunmi Choi, M.D.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Development and pilot testing of a computer-based patient-decision aid
For patients with medication-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy, deciding whether or not to have brain surgery can be a complex decision-making process. An instrument that provides individualized treatment information to patients can help them make more informed and satisfying decisions. This study aims to develop a computerbased, interactive instrument for patients with medication-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy that provides tailored benefit and risk information associated with treatment options and 2) clarifies an individual’s values toward various treatmentoutcome states. After the development, the study will test whether this instrument is understandable and acceptable to such patients. $50,000
Supported by the Arlene & Arnold Goldstein Family Foundation