Newswise — WEST HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 10, 2013 – The American Epilepsy Society (AES) and the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) are pleased to announce a free online continuing medical education series “Safety in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.” This specially structured learning presentation is intended to educate healthcare providers on the best ways to create a culture of safety in the epilepsy unit. Meant for all members of the epilepsy team, including physicians, nurses, EEG technologists, pharmacists, social workers, and other staff in the unit, this program presents best practices as identified by a group of national experts in epilepsy.

“The relationship between how cohesively epilepsy monitoring units function and how effectively they can address the unique needs of their patients should not be understated,” says Patricia O. Shafer, R.N., M.N., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Content Chair for EMUCaring. “The finer attention that is paid to this relationship the greater probability of improved safety outcomes.”

The online program consists of seven modules addressing topics such as Seizure Observation, Environment and Activity, Managing Seizures and Comorbidities, and Preparing for Transition to Outpatient Care. For ease of learning, each module can be completed independently.

This tool can be used for continuing in-service education and as a training tool for new members of the team. At present, the program has been approved for physicians, nurses and EEG technologists to receive up to a maximum of 3.5 continuing education credits by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), EduPro Resources LLC (EDUPRO), and ASET – The Neurodiagnostic Society.

About the American Epilepsy SocietyThe American Epilepsy Society (AES) is the premier professional organization in the United States representing multi-specialty members including physicians, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and research scientists that provide care to people with epilepsy. The Society promotes research, interdisciplinary communication, and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, optimal treatment, and cure of epilepsy.

About the National Association of Epilepsy CentersWith the goal of no seizures and no side effects, the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) strives to make high quality healthcare available and affordable for epilepsy patients across the country. NAEC is a non-profit association with a membership of more than 190 specialized Level 3 and 4 epilepsy centers in the United States. Founded in 1987 by physician-leaders committed to setting a national agenda for quality epilepsy care, the NAEC connects people with epilepsy to specialized epilepsy care and supports epileptologists in the operation of their epilepsy centers.