Educational Programs for Epilepsy: Practical Implementation in Pandemic Times Using the Example of FAMOSES

Background/Purpose: For more than 15 years, the educational program FAMOSES has been providing children with epilepsy and their parents with knowledge and coping strategies for living with epilepsy. The efficacy of FAMOSES has been shown and it has been accepted as a patient education program in accordance with German social law (§43 Abs.1 Nr.2 SGB V). Did the pandemic affect this interface between neuropediatrics and daily life?

Methods: We compared the number of FAMOSES courses and the regular survey of parents’ satisfaction before and during the pandemic.

Results: During the pandemic, there were 42% less children's courses and 45% less parents’ courses than in the previous 12 months. The implementation of FAMOSES was possible in sufficiently large rooms and in compliance with hygienic measures, although the continuous wearing of surgical/FFP2-masks was reported as challenging by some trainers. No COVID-19 infections occurred in relationship with the courses. The comparison between parent surveys before (2016 until March 2020) and during the pandemic (after March 2020) showed a constantly high satisfaction of the participants with the program and their respective group of trainees.

Conclusion: By imparting knowledge and through its interactive approach, FAMOSES helps parents to cope with their child`s epilepsy and reduce epilepsy-related fears. It has proven effective to offer FAMOSES courses in compliance with the pandemic measures. The participants’ satisfaction was not affected by this. The interdisciplinary team, the pleasant atmosphere, the interactive course setting and the exchange with other parents were emphasized as helpful.

Publication History

Article published online:
28 October 2021