FACETS of health disparities in epilepsy surgery and gaps that need to be addressed

Abstract

Purpose of reviewDisparities in treatment and outcomes of patients with epilepsy have been identified in several distinct patient populations. The purpose of this review is to organize the literature and establish clear pathways as to why certain patient populations are not receiving epilepsy surgery. By establishing the acronym FACETS (fear of treatment, access to care, communication barriers, education, trust between patient and physician, and social support), we set up a pathway to further study this area in an organized fashion, hopefully leading to objective solutions.Recent findingsStudies revealed that African American, Hispanic, and non-English-speaking patients underwent surgical treatment for epilepsy at rates significantly lower compared to white patients.SummaryThis article explains possible reasons outlined by FACETS for the health disparities in epilepsy surgery that exist in patients of a certain race, socioeconomic status, and language proficiency.