Frequent Use of Emergency Services
Patients need to be assessed for the following at their initial visit, annually and at times of life transitions.
1
Assess for use of emergency services in past year.
Clinician actions
- Identify use of emergency services as a proxy for uncontrolled seizures and an opportunity to intervene with rescue plans.
- Understand/communicate with patient about the risks of status epilepticus and seizure clusters.
- Educate on distinguishing when it is safe to stay home after a seizure and when 911 needs to be called.
- Develop/Review a seizure action plan and educate about when and how to use rescue medications.
- If the use of emergency services is for mental health reasons, reference the mental health section.
2
Assess rescue medication use.
Clinician actions
- Evaluate rescue medication dosing and ensure patients and caregivers know how to use it.
- Confirm the current rescue medication expiration date.
- Include rescue medication instructions in a seizure action plan.
Conversation tips
Learn how to discuss use of emergency services with your patients