by A recent study published in JAMA Neurology sheds light on the significance of first seizure clinics (FSCs) in reducing the need for future healthcare interventions. The research was conducted at two major public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, namely The Alfred and the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH).
The study’s findings revealed that patients who attended FSCs within 14 days of their seizure experienced a decrease in all-cause emergency presentations and hospital admissions by approximately 25%. This reduction in late Hospital admissions was linked to timely attendance at these clinics.
Dr. Yingtong Li, the first author of the study and an adjunct research associate with Monash University’s Department of Neuroscience in the School of Translational Medicine, emphasized the importance of these clinics. “Our research demonstrates that early intervention through first seizure clinics is highly effective. Ensuring equitable access to these clinics could yield substantial benefits for patients and healthcare systems,” Dr. Li stated.
In Australia, the annual cost of acute seizure care is estimated to be AU$340 million. The study’s results suggest that approximately one-quarter of this amount (AU$85 million annually) could potentially be saved if all patients were able to attend a first seizure clinic following their initial seizure event. This would enable them to receive prompt, specialist care.
The study underscores the importance of early intervention in patients with seizures, as delivered through first seizure clinics. This intervention has the potential to significantly alter the course of patients’ subsequent healthcare utilization.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research.
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
