ERIC Number: EJ1355128
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Dec
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-4187
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3156
Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy and Bone Health: Quality Improvement in a Specialist Epilepsy Service
Watkins, Lance; Isaac, Andrew; Hanson, Christine; Hammett, Joanne; Wickens, Ashlyn
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, v50 n4 p525-531 Dec 2022
Background: People with epilepsy and intellectual disability should be considered at high risk of developing metabolic bone disease. Risk is increased with number of comorbidities and polypharmacy, particularly anti-seizure medications. One way of improving bone health is to ensure that every one has adequate levels of vitamin D through supplementation. Methods: This audit phase of a wider quality improvement (QI) project monitors the implementation of a Bone Health Project (BHP) for people with epilepsy and intellectual disability. Key Clinical Standard 1 of the BHP aims to ensure that where appropriate everyone prescribed anti-seizure medication is offered vitamin D supplementation. This audit standard is based upon the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition Guidance. The complete audit cycle was undertaken for the entire patient cohort under the care of a specialist epilepsy service and followed QI methodology. Findings: From the initial audit, the total number of patients prescribed vitamin D supplementation increased significantly from 95 (29%) to 182 (79%) by the end of the cycle. For those prescribed enzyme-inducing anti-seizure medications, the number of patients prescribed vitamin D supplementation increased significantly from 52 (49%) to 89 (90%). Conclusions: Working collaboratively with people with intellectual disability and epilepsy can enhance engagement. Vitamin D supplementation at 800IU has been established as safe and largely efficient in ensuring most people have adequate levels of serum vitamin D. There will be people who require vitamin D replacement therapy, and this requires further intervention including monitoring of bone profiles and referral to other specialists.
Descriptors: Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy, At Risk Persons, Human Body, Diseases, Comorbidity, Drug Therapy, Health Promotion
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A