Interdisciplinary assessment
The purpose of Young Epilepsy’s Interdisciplinary Assessment Service is to provide detailed diagnostic information and in-depth evaluation of the impact of epilepsy or neurological problems. It also makes recommendations that address educational, medical and care support needs. The intention is to maximise the potential of every child and improve the quality of life of the young person and their family.
The aims of the assessment and the length of stay are planned on an individual basis and usually last between two and 12 weeks. Once a referral has been received, each child is visited by the Epilepsy Nurse Specialist Outreach Practitioner. Detailed medical and seizure history is obtained from the parents and the child is observed in their school. Bespoke packages are also offered that combine a period of assessment with outreach and support by the multidisciplinary team at home or school. We liaise with the child’s local team of doctors, therapists, social workers and teaching staff to support the implementation of recommendations once the child has left the unit.
Service pathway
- Referral by paediatrician and/or GP
- Initial out-patient appointment arranged
- Outreach visits to home and school
- Overnight pre-admission visit to the Centre (following which the length of stay, aims of the assessment and funding are agreed)
- Admission for interdisciplinary assessment
- Report
- Outreach follow-up
The team
A highly skilled, dedicated team of professionals supports the children and young people admitted to the unit. Under the direction of the Unit Manager, assessment and rehabilitation support workers provide the day-to-day care for the children and young people. They have constant contact with the child and are vital in helping the assessment by supporting therapy programmes and recording observations.
The medical team comprises:
The charity provides medical assessment, rehabilitation, care and education for children and young people whose lives have been adversely effected by epilepsy and other neurological conditions
- a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
- a Consultant Neurophysiologist
- a Consultant Child & Adolescent
- Psychiatrist
- Clinical Fellows
- Specialist Paediatric Registrars
- Clinical Physiologists
- a Nursing Team
- The Assessment and Rehabilitation
- Unit has its own dedicated clinical
- team led by the Consultant Paediatric
Neurologist which comprises:
- a Senior Psychologist
- a Senior Occupational Therapist
- a Senior Physiotherapist
- a Senior Speech & Language Therapist
- an Epilepsy Nurse Specialist (ENS)
- Outreach Practitioner
- a Teacher
- a Play Specialist
The programme
The assessment programme is directed by experienced qualified practitioners. Aims and goals are documented in an assessment and development plan which is discussed and updated weekly by the multidisciplinary team. Programmes are reviewed frequently and regularly and adjusted accordingly. Regular liaison with the family occurs throughout the assessment. At the end of the assessment period, the local team and funders are invited to attend a final review meeting to receive detailed feedback and recommendations.
In addition to detailed evaluation of the child's seizures and epilepsy using electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, the interdisciplinary assessment aims to cover the following areas in relation to the epilepsy:
- Physical function
- Communication
- Oro-motor and feeding
- Activities of daily living
- Cognitive function
- Behaviour
- Vocational skills
- Self-esteem and emotional adjustment
Children and young people who are referred to Young Epilepsy for interdisciplinary assessment can expect:
- World-class medical and clinical assessment
- Support from fully-trained staff with unrivalled knowledge of epilepsy
- Full involvement for their parents or carers,who can be accommodated on campus for all or part of the time
Interdisciplinary Assessment Service Booklet(1.1MB)
