Neuroscience Center community outreach
Wisconsin Seizure Control Network
The network is a statewide referral system 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 effects associated with poor seizure control. Health care providers strive to obtain early evaluation and intervention and provide early education to children and families. Mary L. Zupanc, MD, is the director of the network through a Federal Health Resources and Services Administration grant.
There is a substantial need for both basic and comprehensive care throughout Wisconsin for the estimated 15,000 children and youth with epilepsy
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Dr. Zupanc gives a tour to local community leaders. | and their families. Access to the specialized care needed to achieve seizure control is difficult for many families.
In partnership with primary care physicians and families, the network strives for complete seizure control and improved quality of life for each child. It provides access to state-of-the-art health care expertise and social services. In addition, a public education and awareness campaign is 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.
Partners in the network:
Hmong community outreach
In traditional Hmong culture, the shaman's role is revered. Epilepsy, along with other illnesses, is viewed as having a spiritual cause.Working in collaboration with Western Bilingual Services, a Hmong-owned business, WSCN coordinates outreach and educational efforts to increase awareness about epilepsy and seizure control for the Hmong community through several community-based programs. Through HmongABC radio, Mary L. Zupanc, MD, has shared the basics of epilepsy and answered questions about neurological disorders. Other outreach components included informational brochures, health fair participation and public service announcements directed at the Hmong community. Recently, a 20-minute educational epilepsy video was completed and will be distributed nationally.
Central city outreach
Studies conducted in the U.S. have found that the risk of a seizure during a lifetime is 25 percent for African Americans, compared to 10 percent in the Caucasian community. Historically, seizures have been viewed as a nervous condition, emotional stress or insanity, and instead of seeking medical treatment, patients have sought help from spiritual leaders.
Pastors from Milwaukee central city Baptist churches took an educational tour of Children's Hospital's Neurology Clinic, Epilepsy Monitoring Unit and The Daniel M. Soref Family Resource Center. The tour resulted from the collaboration of the Wisconsin Seizure Control Network and the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association. Participating pastors discussed how African American churches can help improve access to health care for children with epilepsy and seizures. The group hopes to increase the general awareness and understanding of epilepsy in their communities.
The Milwaukee Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association works with the network to enhance education surrounding seizures, epilepsy and other neurological disorders. The groups work together to host central city neighborhood block parties and create church-sponsored focus groups. They brainstorm to develop ways to maintain child health records and enhance communication with medical professionals. Community outreach also includes an annual scholarship fund dinner to encourage young African Americans to pursue nursing careers.
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Task Force
An interdisciplinary group meets bimonthly in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit to make improvements in patient care. The group, made up of physicians, nurse practitioners, a patient care manager, advanced practice nurses, pharmacy staff and others, addresses issues that relate to the comfort, education and communication with patients and staff. The group also invites special guests, including parents, as resources to the unit to evaluate processes for care in the EMU.
Their goal is to provide the most comprehensive, safe and efficient care for patients in the EMU. Through the task force team approach, positive changes have been implemented for the unit by creating new protocols for procedures and patient care, staff competencies and continuing education.
The task force is focused on addressing issues, large or small, to improve every aspect of patient care.
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From left: Maria Chico, RN, MS, CCRN, CPNP; Kathy Eggener, RN, MS, CPNP; Jody Koenig, RN, BSN, MBA, Dr. Mary Zupanc; and Melissa Raines, MSN, RN, CPN. | |
