Behavioral and Educational Tools to Improve Epilepsy Care

The long-term goal of this research is to improve seizure control among patients with epilepsy, which has the potential to improve quality of life for thousands of people living with epilepsy and reduce health care utilization, social and economic costs, and epilepsy-related mortalities. Participants who are suffering from epilepsy will be randomized to receive usual care (UC), a smartphone-based self-management intervention called Management of Risks in Epilepsy (MORE), or MORE + telephone-based motivational interviewing (MI). Participants will be followed for 3 months.

MORE is a smartphone application which participants use to record information on a daily basis about seizures (severity, type), medications, and mood and stress levels. It also includes a camera-based application which uses a pill scanner and photo to record the identity and quantity (dose) of medications just prior to them being taken. Also included in the app are medication reminders, educational video clips, and self-management tips.

Participants will receive a total of 4 motivational interviewing sessions over the phone. These sessions last approximately 20 minutes each and build on the educational materials already provided within the MORE app.

Adherence to anti-epileptic drug schedule (self-reported) as measured by the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale

Inclusion Criteria: At least 18 years of age English- or Spanish-speaking Partial (focal) or generalized epilepsy (as confirmed with epileptiform activity on an electroencephalogram) Poor medication adherence Willing and able to use a smartphone (provided by the study) to manage disease. Exclusion Criteria: Known or suspected psychogenic nonepileptic seizures as sole seizure type Active psychotic disorder