A new epilepsy care model from Finland has been outlined in Epilepsia Open. This innovative framework delivers a coordinated, team-based strategy for diagnosing and treating epilepsy, leveraging cutting-edge digital tools, data sharing, and community support. The Finnish epilepsy care pathway exemplifies how integrated healthcare systems can effectively tackle complex health issues.
Professor Reetta Kälviäinen from the University of Eastern Finland, who led the national working group, remarks, “The Finnish model could act as a guide for other healthcare systems seeking to improve their epilepsy care standards.”
Integrated care pathways are vital for providing consistent and effective care for epilepsy, ensuring equitable access and quality services across different socioeconomic backgrounds. They must be in accordance with the WHO Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other Neurological Conditions, promoting best practices and cost-efficient management. The Finnish national epilepsy care pathway encompasses various levels of service, from initial diagnosis to ongoing care for all epilepsy types, particularly concentrating on rare and complex cases in cooperation with the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare and Complex Epilepsies, known as ERN EpiCARE.
In 2017, the Finnish government designated Kuopio University Hospital to oversee diagnostics and treatment for severe epilepsy nationwide. A national multidisciplinary consensus panel was formed, incorporating experts from both adult and pediatric neurology across all five Finnish university hospitals, along with patient representatives from the Finnish Epilepsy Association. This collaborative effort resulted in the incorporation of their pathway into Finland’s evidence-based guidelines for epilepsy care.
The Finnish epilepsy care pathway prioritizes timely referrals, continuity of care, and improved communication among healthcare providers at varying care levels. It ensures patient engagement through a personalized digital application that provides secure online messaging, a seizure tracking calendar, and options for remote consultations. The pathway supports virtual appointments and involves routine national diagnostic meetings for severe epilepsy cases prior to discussing select cases in the ERN EpiCARE consultations.
