Barriers and facilitators to reaching a diagnosis of PNES from the patients’ perspective: Preliminary findings

PURPOSE This qualitative study aimed at examining the subjective experiences of patients during the complicated and often prolonged diagnostic process of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). METHODS Thematic analyses were used to explore the semi-structured interviews that were conducted with ten individuals who have been diagnosed with PNES. RESULTS Six main themes, namely inexpert healthcare providers, limited medical insurance and loss of independence were identified as barriers, while social support, comprehensive medical insurance and knowledgeable healthcare providers were identified as facilitators through the process of thematic analysis. CONCLUSIONS The patients' perspectives revealed that an earlier diagnosis of PNES is essential to address the loss of independence and limit inappropriate and potentially harmful treatment as well as the costly burden of this condition on both the patient and the healthcare system. It was evident in this study that healthcare providers play an essential role in the subjective experiences of these individuals during the diagnostic process. The implementation of continuous education programmes for healthcare providers in particular could contribute positively to the diagnostic process of PNES for patients.