Increasing Provider Utilization of a Seizure Action Plan in the Outpatient Setting

Abstract

OBJECTIVES A seizure action plan (SAP) is a powerful tool that provides actionable information for caregivers during seizures. Guidelines have expressed the need for individualized SAPs. Our quality improvement team aimed to increase implementation of an SAP within a pediatric tertiary center, initially among epilepsy providers and expanded to all neurology providers. METHODS Process changes were implemented using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and data were evaluated monthly using control charts. The team focused on tracking patients who received SAPs and identified opportunities for improvement, including reminders within the electronic medical record, and standardizing clinic processes. A secondary analysis was performed to trend emergency department (ED) use among our patient population. RESULTS The SAP utilization rate among epilepsy providers increased from a baseline of 39% to 78% by December 2019 and reached the goal of 85% by June 2020, with a further increase to 92% by February 2022 and maintained. The SAP utilization rate among general neurology providers increased from 43% in 2018 to 85% by July 2020, and further increased to 93% by February 2022 and maintained. ED visits of established patients with epilepsy decreased from a baseline of 10.2 per 1000 to 7.5 per 1000. CONCLUSIONS Quality improvement methodologies increased the utilization of a standardized SAP within neurology outpatient care centers. The SAP is a simplified tool that allows patients and providers to navigate a complex health care system. The utility of an SAP may potentially extend to minimizing unnecessary ED visits.