Authors of a recent systematic review examined healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences in caring for women with epilepsy (WWE) from preconception through postpartum. Searches across five databases through September 2024 identified 14 studies for narrative synthesis, generating three cross-cutting themes: (1) knowledge base, (2) risk perception, and (3) strategies to enhance knowledge and care provision. Included studies spanned varied countries and mixed methods, highlighting consistent issues despite heterogeneous settings and practice environments.
Across studies, clinicians frequently lacked comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge needed to safely manage WWE during pregnancy and the perinatal period. Gaps commonly involved antiseizure medication counseling and dose adjustments, folic acid optimization, seizure action plans, intrapartum/postpartum management, and breastfeeding guidance. Misaligned risk perceptions and limited practical tools risk suboptimal counseling, medication management, and coordination of care. The review calls for targeted education and training toolkits for all perinatal providers—ideally embedded in curricula, continuing education, and electronic health record decision support—along with standardized pathways, checklists, and audit/feedback to close these gaps.
Reference: Bradshaw C, Grealish A, McInerney A, et al. Healthcare professionals’ knowledge and experiences of caring for women with epilepsy in the perinatal period: A systematic review. Nurse Educ Pract. 2025;89:104599. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2025.104599.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1471595325003567?via%3Dihub
