Integrated care pathways (ICPs) provide a structured, evidence-based approach to delivering consistent, equitable, and cost-effective epilepsy care. The Finnish national epilepsy care pathway serves as a strong model, integrating care from diagnosis through complex case management across five levels—from primary care to European-level consultations via ERN EpiCARE. Developed through national consensus, the pathway supports timely referrals, standardizes care, and leverages digital tools like Health Village and Kanta to improve data sharing, remote monitoring, and patient engagement. Aligned with WHO goals, it ensures care access regardless of geography or socioeconomic status and emphasizes patient-centered practices at every stage.
Key components include multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings across care levels, structured transitions from pediatric to adult services, and strong collaboration with the Finnish Epilepsy Association for patient education and peer support. The pathway promotes early diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and self-management support, ultimately reducing unnecessary visits and improving outcomes. By embedding the care pathway into national guidelines and leveraging digital infrastructure, Finland has created a scalable model that could inform epilepsy care improvements in other healthcare systems.
Reference: Kälviäinen R, Hadj-Allal Z, Kirjavainen J, et al. Epilepsy care pathway: The Finnish model. Epilepsia Open. 2025 Feb;10(1):177-185. doi: 10.1002/epi4.13093. Epub 2024 Nov 9. PMID: 39520410; PMCID: PMC11803295.
