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What is the Wisconsin Seizure Control Network?
The network is designed to help children and youth with epilepsy achieve seizure control more quickly and effectively and reduce or prevent the developmental, physical, social and emotional affects associated with poor seizure control. This is done by enabling health care providers to obtain early evaluation and intervention and by providing early education to children and families.
Why is the network needed?
There is a substantial need for both basic and comprehensive care throughout much of the state for the estimated 15,000 children and youth with epilepsy and their families. The rapid control of seizures is vital to minimize lifelong medical, developmental, emotional and social complications. However, access to the specialized care needed to achieve seizure control is lacking. Thirty-two of Wisconsin's 72 counties are entirely designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, and portions of another 32 counties are designated shortage areas. Even within urban areas with adequate levels of health care services, certain racial and ethnic communities have difficulty accessing services.
What does the network accomplish?
In partnership with each primary care physician, patient and family, the network strives for complete seizure control and improved quality of life for the entire family by:
Providing access to state-of-the-art health care expertise and social services to the providers of affected families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The network provides that expertise within an intensive case management system that maintains a local, primary care medical home and offers services that are family-centered, community-based, coordinated and culturally sensitive.
Implementing a public education and awareness campaign directed toward affected families, targeted racial and ethnic populations, primary care providers, schools and other stakeholders to improve awareness of treatment options and encourage use of available services.
What organizations are involved in the network?
The lead agency is the Medical College of Wisconsin, along with Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Other collaborators include the Epilepsy Foundation's Wisconsin chapters, Marshfield Clinic, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health/University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital, Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council and the Wisconsin Children with Special Health Care Needs Program.
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