UNIT Management of Epilepsy: An Introduction (Intermediate 2)

Transcription

1 National Unit Specification: general information NUMBER DC9F 11 COURSE SUMMARY This unit is designed to raise awareness of the causes, symptoms and effects of epilepsy and how it can be managed. OUTCOMES 1 Demonstrate an understanding of epilepsy. 2 Describe how an individual s epilepsy can be managed. 3 Outline how an epileptic seizure should be managed. RECOMMENDED ENTRY There are no formal entry requirements. CREDIT VALUE 0.5 Credit at Intermediate 2 (3 SCOTCAT points at SCQF level 5*). *SCOTCAT points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCOTCAT points at an SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates. Administrative Information Superclass: PB Publication date: August 2003 Source: Scottish Qualifications Authority Version: 01 Scottish Qualifications Authority 2003 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged. Additional copies of this unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The cost for each unit specification is 2.50 (minimum order 5.00).

2 National Unit Specification: general information (cont) CORE SKILLS Information on the automatic certification of any core skills in this unit is published in Automatic Certification of Core Skills in National Qualifications (SQA, 1999). Unit specification (DC9F 11): Management of Epilepsy: An Introduction (Intermediate 2) 2

3 National Unit Specification: statement of standards Acceptable performance in this unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set out in this part of the unit specification. All sections of the statement of standards are mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to the Scottish Qualifications Authority. OUTCOME 1 Demonstrate an understanding of epilepsy Performance criteria a) Explain what epilepsy is. b) Outline the common causes of epilepsy. c) Describe complex partial and tonic clonic epileptic seizures. d) Explain how epilepsy is diagnosed. e) Outline common treatments of epilepsy. Evidence requirements Please refer to Evidence requirements for the unit at the end of the Statement of Standards. OUTCOME 2 Describe how an individual s epilepsy can be managed. Performance criteria a) Explain the importance of the individual epilepsy protocol or care plan and the regular review of these. b) Outline the potential risks associated with epilepsy to individuals. c) Describe strategies for assisting individuals to minimise risks of seizures. d) Explain how lifestyle and epilepsy interact. e) Identify local and national resources available to support the individual manage their epilepsy. f) Explain the importance of recording and monitoring in relation to the individuals epilepsy. Evidence requirements Please refer to Evidence requirements for the unit at the end of the Statement of Standards. Unit specification (DC9F 11): Management of Epilepsy: An Introduction (Intermediate 2) 3

4 National Unit Specification: statement of standards (cont) OUTCOME 3 Outline how an epileptic seizure should be managed. Performance criteria a) Describe the typical characteristics and stages of complex partial and tonic clonic epileptic seizures. b) Describe the first aid procedures for managing complex partial and tonic clonic epileptic seizures. c) Outline particular actions to be avoided when providing first aid during an epileptic seizure d) Explain the importance of recording the seizure event. e) Explain when an individual s seizure event requires to be reported. Evidence requirements Please refer to Evidence requirements for the unit at the end of the Statement of Standards. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE UNIT Written and/or oral evidence to ensure coverage of all performance criteria Unit specification (DC9F 11): Management of Epilepsy: An Introduction (Intermediate 2) 4

5 National Unit Specification: support notes This part of the unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory. While the exact time allocated to this unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length is 20 hours. GUIDANCE ON THE CONTENT AND CONTEXT FOR THIS UNIT It is anticipated that most candidates undertaking this unit will have a responsibility for providing care to people with epilepsy. Most will be employed in social care environments, supporting people who have epilepsy, amongst other care/support needs. Other candidates may wish to undertake this unit because they have a family member, friend or colleague who has epilepsy. For all candidates this unit will increase awareness of the causes, symptoms and effects of epilepsy and how it can affect those individuals and others. This unit will also contribute to an understanding of discrimination, prejudice and stereotyping, and how it might be challenged in this context. It also introduces the concept of self-empowerment, choices and the well-being of people with epilepsy. The following areas should be addressed throughout the entire unit: Agency policy and procedures Current/relevant legislation Principles of good practice For some individuals epilepsy may not be their only, or main, disability. There will be additional considerations depending on the age/vulnerability of the person with epilepsy. Consent to treatment requirements vary from children to adults and depending on the mental capacity of the individual concerned and this should be reflected throughout the unit. Outcome 1 It is important that the following issues are addressed, particularly in relation to performance criterion (b): National prevalence rates (check available literature for current statistics) and the unequal distribution of the condition (eg. people with learning disabilities and/or cerebral palsy and older people have a significantly higher incidence of epilepsy than the rest of the population). Common causes of epilepsy physical The possible links between age and epilepsy-type symptoms (e.g. febrile convulsions in children, degeneration of brain function in elderly people) Unit specification (DC9F 11): Management of Epilepsy: An Introduction (Intermediate 2) 5

6 National Unit Specification: support notes (Cont) Common causes of epilepsy other factors: Physical trauma, toxins e.g. alcohol, drugs etc. PC(c) While this PC requires a description of complex partial and tonic colonic epileptic seizures, it is also important to explore other types of seizures such as myoclonic and atonic. PC(d) The main methods of diagnosing epilepsy will include: Clinical history (including observation and description) EEG (Electroencephalogram) MRI/CAT scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Axial Tomography scans of the brain) may be used to detect the cause of epilepsy. It is important to stress that the first of these ie clinical history with description and observation is without doubt the most important factor in determining a diagnosis of epilepsy (approximately 80% of the diagnosis is based on this method). This underlines the need for accurate observation and recording of the seizure symptoms by carers and demonstrates their important role in the diagnostic process. Even when more sophisticated medical tools and tests are used, diagnosis is often difficult. PC(e) There are three main types of treatment: medication; psychological and surgical. It is important to link the type of treatment to the cause (where identified) of the epilepsy eg. medication to control seizures; surgery to remove the epileptogenic focus (eg. tumour) and psychological approaches (eg. anxiety and stress management techniques) to reduce/prevent certain seizure triggers. Outcome 2 PC(a) The importance of the epilepsy protocol or care plan must be stressed; individual rights and protocol and responsibilities are recorded here in relation to the support needs of the person with epilepsy. The plan should contain details about the type of medication/treatment which is recommended and when/how it should be administered. The importance of monitoring general health and reviewing epilepsy medication should also be stressed. A good epilepsy protocol or care plan will include the following: agreed seizure descriptions; seizure diary; annual seizure chart; individual triggers and patterns; guidance on management. PC(b) Potential risks associated with epilepsy will include risk of accident/injury caused by/during a seizure; possible side-effects of anti-epileptic medication; brain damage during prolonged or status seizures; predisposition to mental ill health (eg depression, agoraphobia) or even early death. Unit specification (DC9F 11): Management of Epilepsy: An Introduction (Intermediate 2) 6

7 National Unit Specification: support notes (Cont) PC(d) It is important to address wider issues in relation to epilepsy and lifestyle: eg. peer group relationships (all ages); discrimination (eg employment); restrictions (eg driving); psychological factors (eg predisposition to depression); social and economic factors (eg restrictions on social activities such as alcohol, financial constraints may be linked to employment issues). It is important to balance some of these negatives aspects with successful treatment which can control or prevent the seizures and their consequential effects: a good drug regime, healthy eating, good physical health and anxiety/stress management techniques can help. Outcome 3 PC(b) The candidate should also know when it is appropriate/necessary to call for medical help. PCs (d) and (e) The importance of recording and reporting the seizure event relates to the ongoing health review for the individual and the review of the effectiveness (or otherwise) of their drug therapy. Additionally, there may be specific requirements to record and report such incidents where the individual is receiving care/support services. This should be linked with operational policy and procedures and health and safety requirements which exist, albeit in some different forms, in most care/support services, whether candidates are paid or unpaid carers (eg. volunteers, befrienders). GUIDANCE ON LEARNING AND TEACHING APPROACHES FOR THIS UNIT The Epilepsy Scotland Website provides a good source of information especially the revised SIGN guidelines. A predominantly tutor-led, resource based approach is recommended as there is a substantial amount of factual information to be presented. Handouts will be useful, particularly examples of different epilepsy protocol or care plans, video presentations may also be useful and a short resource list is appended. Terminology should be clear and in context throughout the unit. Outcome 3 PC(b) A demonstration of the shock recovery position is recommended and candidates should be given the opportunity to practice. Group discussion around agency policies, examples of relevant legislation are noted below: Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 Access to Health Records Act 1989 Access to Personal Files Act 1987 Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991 Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995 Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 National Assistance Act 1948 National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 Unit specification (DC9F 11): Management of Epilepsy: An Introduction (Intermediate 2) 7

8 National Unit Specification: support notes (Cont) Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 Human Rights Act 1998 GUIDANCE ON APPROACHES TO ASSESSMENT FOR THIS UNIT Written and/or oral questioning and case studies could be used. Outcome 3 PC (b) Role play and/or simulation should be used to generate evidence. Resource List Epilepsy Scotland Epileptic Seizures (video) Available from The National Society for Epilepsy, Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 0RU First Aid for Seizures (video) Available from the British Epilepsy Association, New Anstey House, Gate Way Drive, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7XY Headwork (video) Available from the Epilepsy Scotland, 48 Govan Road, Glasgow G41 1JL Professional Training Packs (include a range of patient information leaflets and a choice of professional guidelines for the management of epilepsy) Available from the Epilepsy Scotland, 48 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 1JL Health Care Team Pack Available from the Epilepsy Scotland, 48 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 1JL Epilepsy, Psychiatry and Learning Difficulty Tim Betts (author) Martin Dunitz (publisher) ISBN Epilepsy The Facts (second edition) A. Hopkins & R. Appleton (editors). Available from the British Epilepsy Association, New Anstey House, Gate Way Drive, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7XY The Epilepsy Reference Book J. Oxley & J. Smith (authors). Available from the British Epilepsy Association, New Anstey House, Gate Way Drive, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7XY Living with Epilepsy A Practical Guide to Coping, Causes and Treatment Dr. D. Chadwick & S. Usiskin (authors). Available from the British Epilepsy Association, New Anstey House, Gate Way Drive, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7XY Health Care Assistants Guide to Epilepsy A. Russell & L. Wehrle (authors). Available from the National Society for Epilepsy, Cheham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 ORJ Unit specification (DC9F 11): Management of Epilepsy: An Introduction (Intermediate 2) 8

9 National Unit Specification: support notes (Cont) Epilepsy diaries Available from local Epilepsy Associations Videos are available for hire from Epilepsy Scotland SPECIAL NEEDS This unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or assessment. Special needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering special alternative outcomes for units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Special Assessment and Certification Arrangements for Candidates with Special Needs/Candidates whose First Language is not English (SQA, 1998). Unit specification (DC9F 11): Management of Epilepsy: An Introduction (Intermediate 2) 9