Managing Epilepsy Well Network

MEW

The Managing Epilepsy Well Network (MEW) is a team of people who care about the health of people with epilepsy, their friends and family, and their caregivers. MEW Network Members come from U.S. universities, community-based organizations, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Network Members work together to promote epilepsy self-management research and improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy.

What Programs are in the MEW Network?

HOBSCOTCH

Home Based Self-Management and Cognitive Training Changes Lives

Delivered in person and by phone, HOBSCOTCH teaches people with epilepsy memory skills and uses problem-solving therapy to improve memory and attention.

F.O.C.U.S on Epilepsy

The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan and the University of Michigan's Center for Managing Chronic Disease (CDC) are currently conducting a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded, randomized controlled research study to test the effectiveness of a program for adults with epilepsy that provides:

The latest research findings on quality of life and epilepsy
Tools and a simple approach to tackling problems related to epilepsy
One-on-one support in selecting and working on a problem
Time to share and socialize with other people living with epilepsy

We look forward to sharing the results of this study and offering this program to adults with epilepsy and their caregivers. For additional information on this and other CDC-funded epilepsy self-management research, visit the Managing Epilepsy Well Network website.

You can also listen to the "Hallway Conversations" podcast featuring an interview with Noreen Clark, PhD and Russell Derry, MPH about the FOCUS on Epilepsy program (conducted by Joseph Sirven, MD, Editor-in-Chief of epilepsy.com)

Study ID: HUM00070305 IRB: Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences Date Approved: 1/8/2013

The MEW is funded by the CDC and is supported by special interest project (SIP) 05-07, SIP 07-06, SIP 06-07, SIP 01-08 and SIP 09-11, and Cooperative Agreement Numbers U4 DP000043, U48DP000050, U48DP001901, U48DP001949, 1U48-DP001909.

PEARLS

Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives

PEARLS for Adults with Epilepsy is a home-based treatment program for adults with epilepsy and major, minor, or chronic depression. The name PEARLS stands for Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives.

The method is designed to reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life during 6 to 8 sessions that take place in the client's home and focus on brief behavioral techniques. PEARLS Program counselors empower people to take action and make lasting changes so that they can lead more active and rewarding lives.

Why was PEARLS created? People with epilepsy are more likely to be depressed than people without epilepsy. In fact, studies have shown that between 32-48% of people with epilepsy experience significant symptoms of depression.
How Can I Bring PEARLS to My Organization? In order to become a counselor, you will need complete PEARLS training which is offered throughout the year in Seattle, WA or training can be brought to you
Those who can benefit from the training include the organizational leadership, the future PEARLS program manager, the future PEARLS counselor, and the clinical supervisor of your organization.
Continuing education units are available.To find out more, visit the PEARLS website.
How Can I Receive PEARLS Counseling? You can contact your local Epilepsy Foundation affiliate or Jody Kakacek at the national Epilepsy Foundation office to find out about PEARLS services in your area.

The Managing Epilepsy Well Network is funded by the CDC and is supported by special interest project (SIP) 05-07, SIP 07-06, SIP 06-07, SIP 01-08 and SIP 09-11, and Cooperative Agreement Numbers U4 DP000043, U48DP000050, U48DP001901, U48DP001949, 1U48-DP001909.

UPLIFT

Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts

An 8-week program delivered over the phone, UPLIFT for Epilepsy uses cognitive behavioral and mindfulness therapies to reduce depressive symptoms and improve depression self-management.

What is Project UPLIFT for Epilepsy?

Project UPLIFT is an internet and telephone program using cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to treat depression in people with epilepsy.

Why was Project UPLIFT created?

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among people with epilepsy. A review of studies shows that between 32-48% of people living with epilepsy also suffer from depression, impacting quality of life and family functioning more even than seizure frequency. Project UPLIFT was created to help people better understand and cope with depression.

How does Project UPLIFT work?

Project UPLIFT is a home-based program provided by a mental health professional who has completed a ten-week training course.

I am a mental health professional and would like to attend a training.

Great! We are currently accepting trainees from all states, but are particularly interested in the following states: AL, AK, HI, IN, IA, KY, LA, NE, NV, NM, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, VT, and WV.

The ten-week training program is free and is made up of weekly one-hour conference calls. Free continuing education credits are offered upon full completion.

To register for the training please contact Emory University at 404-712-9267 or e-mail mew.uplift@gmail.com.

This activity is supported, in part, by Cooperative Agreement Number 1 NU58DP006256-01, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PACES

Program for Active Consumer Engagement in Self-Management

Delivered in person in a community setting or by phone, PACES improves self-management, confidence, depression, and quality of life in people with epilepsy.

SMART

Self-Management for People with Epilepsy and a History of Negative Health Events

Starting with an in-person group session and continuing for 8 weeks using a teleconferencing or video conferencing program, SMART provides educational and behavioral interventions to enhance epilepsy self-management.

TIME

Targeted Self-Management for Epilepsy and Mental Illness

Serving adults who have both epilepsy and a serious mental illness, TIME uses 12 weekly group sessions to provide education, behavioral modeling, and group support aimed at reducing depressive symptoms.

How can I find a MEW program near me?

Click to search for MEW programs in your area, then

Once on the Epilepsy & Seizures 24/7 Helpline Resources webpage, scroll down to the "Keyword Search” box in the bottom right.
Enter the name of the program you are interested in:
- HOBSCOTCH
- PACES in Epilepsy
- SMART
- TIME
- Project UPLIFT
Optional: Enter your state in "Location"
Click Search to find where the program is offered

Where can I get more information about the MEW Network?

For more information about programs in the MEW network, visit managingepilepsywell.org.

The MEW is funded by the CDC and is supported by special interest project (SIP) 05-07, SIP 07-06, SIP 06-07, SIP 01-08 and SIP 09-11, and Cooperative Agreement Numbers U4 DP000043, U48DP000050, U48DP001901, U48DP001949, 1U48-DP001909.

Authored By:

Hillary Dolloff

on Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Reviewed By:

Patty Obsorne Shafer RN, MN

on Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.