Managing Epilepsy Well- WebEase Project

The purpose of this study is to test a computer program for people with epilepsy. The program was developed to help people with epilepsy improve their self-management skills for taking medications, reducing stress, and sleeping well.

WebEase is an internet self-management program for people with epilepsy. Our goal is to offer a program that supports the management of epilepsy by people with epilepsy. The program is based on proven techniques of motivational interviewing and stages of change. Before offering WebEase to the general public, we tested the program among volunteers with epilepsy. We recruited individuals with epilepsy who were willing to use the program. The program was developed by a team of researchers and physicians who treat patients with epilepsy. The program offers information on three major topics: 1) medication taking, 2) stress and 3) sleep management as it relates to epilepsy. It includes quizzes, fact sheets, and links to other authoritative websites on epilepsy. Before beginning the study, each participant completed a brief survey about medications, stress, and sleep. Then participants worked through the WebEase program. WebEase consists of three modules: medication, stress, and sleep. Each module lasts 2 weeks, and includes an interactive session geared specifically to each person's needs. During the study, each participant kept a diary of medications, stress, sleep, and seizures, which allowed them to see changes over time. After completing the WebEase program, participants completed two more brief surveys about six weeks apart. About half of the participants were asked to complete two surveys about 6 weeks apart before beginning the WebEase program. These individuals completed one survey after the end of the program.

The Treatment Group received the WebEase Intervention immediately after completing the Baseline Assessment.

Control Group also received the WebEase Intervention. However, Control Group participants began the Intervention 6 weeks after completing the Baseline Assessment.

Computer-based epilepsy self-management program The Treatment Group received the WebEase Intervention immediately after completing the Baseline Assessment

Control Group also received the WebEase Intervention. However, Control Group participants began the Intervention 6 weeks after completing the Baseline Assessment.

Inclusion Criteria: Be 18 years of age or older Understand and speak English Have been diagnosed with epilepsy Have been on an antiepileptic medication (AED) for at least 3 months Have access to the internet Be willing to participate Have not participated in WebEase in the past Exclusion Criteria: Under age 18 Unable to understand and speak English Have NOT been diagnosed with epilepsy Have NOT been on an AED for at least 3 months Not willing to participate Have participated in WebEase in the past

Walker ER, Bamps Y, Burdett A, Rothkopf J, Diiorio C. Social support for self-management behaviors among people with epilepsy: a content analysis of the WebEase program. Epilepsy Behav. 2012 Mar;23(3):285-90. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.01.006. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

DiIorio C, Bamps Y, Walker ER, Escoffery C. Results of a research study evaluating WebEase, an online epilepsy self-management program. Epilepsy Behav. 2011 Nov;22(3):469-74. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.07.030. Epub 2011 Sep 1.