The role of primary care nurses in the review of stable epilepsy.

AIM To assess the feasibility of primary care nurses reviewing patients with 'stable' epilepsy. Sample Practice nurses, health visitors, and district nurses drawn from all GP practices in Cheshire West Primary Care Trust. METHOD Questionnaires were distributed to nursing staff about the management of patients considered to be stable but who require an annual review. RESULTS Regarding their suitability for the work, there was a significant positive response from practice nurses and district nurses but less so from health visitors, while district nurses and health visitors did not feel they had the spare capacity for the work. CONCLUSION Inclusion of epilepsy as a quality indicator in the new GP contract means practices are likely to ask primary care nurses to take a role in managing patients with stable epilepsy. From this study there is evidence of some interest in taking this work on but there are issues around capacity, manpower, and funding.