Implementation of an evidence-based seizure algorithm in intellectual disability nursing: A pilot study

Abstract

Based on the results of the Surrogate Decision-Making Self Efficacy Scale (Lopez, 2009), this study sought to determine if nurses working in the field of intellectual disability experience increased confidence when they implemented the “American Association of Neuroscience Nurses Seizure Algorithm” during telephone triage. The results of the study indicated using the AANN Seizure Algorithm increased self-confidence for many of the nurses in guiding care decisions during telephone triage. The treatment effect was statistically significant -3.169, p, .01 for a small sample of study participants. This increase in confidence is clinically essential for two reasons. Many individuals with intellectual disability and epilepsy reside within community based settings. Intellectual disability nurses provide seizure guidance to this population living in community based settings via telephone triage. Nurses improved confidence is clinically essential and has implications for practice. Evidenced-based training tools provide a valuable mechanism by guiding nurses via best practices. Nurses may need to be formally trained for seizure management due to high epilepsy rates in this population.