1. Seizure Management in School Jean M. Lane, R.N., B.S.N., M.A. School Nurse Town of Westport May 2010

2. Overview Communication Plan development Teacher/staff education Resources Questions

3. Communication: Parent/Student Obtain seizure history information Triggers Warning signs/behavior changes Type(s) of seizures Typical duration of seizure activity When the last seizure occurred

4. Communication: Parent/Student (cont.) Obtain treatment plan information Medication(s): daily First aid procedures during seizure Medications: rescue/emergency Appropriate magnet use if has a vagus nerve stimulator Post ictal status/management

5. Communication: Parent/Student (cont.) Sample form Questionnaire for Parent of Student with Seizures (Epilepsy Foundation) Health History Assessment (State Department of Education)

6. Communication: Parent/Student (cont.) Obtain additional information General health status (past and present) Educational status/concerns General concerns

7. Communication: Parent/Student (Cont.) Obtain permission to communicate with the health care provider School district’s HIPAA and FERPA compliant release form Health care provider’s release form

8. Communication: Health Care Provider Obtain seizure history information Past medical history Triggers Warning signs/behavior change Type(s) of seizures Typical duration of seizure activity When the last seizure occurred

9. Communication: Health Care Provider (Cont.) Obtain treatment plan information Medications: daily at school First aid procedures during seizure What is considered a “seizure emergency” Medications: rescue/emergency

10. Communication: Health Care Provider (Cont.) Obtain treatment plan information (cont.) Use of vagus nerve stimulator magnet as ordered When to call 911 Post ictal status/management

11. Communication: Health Care Provider (Cont.) Sample forms Seizure Action Plan (Epilepsy Foundation) District forms Medication order form Special procedure form

12. Communication: Health Care Provider (Cont.) Special considerations Health services Transportation Field trips Activity precautions/restrictions Sports

13. Communication: Teachers/Staff Obtain information regarding seizure observations Observations – new student vs student with new diagnosis General academic status/concerns

14. Plan Development Individualized healthcare plan (IHP) “ Written document that outlines the provision of student healthcare services intended to achieve specific student outcomes.” (NASN & ANA, 2005)

15. Plan Development Emergency Care Plan (ECP) An ECP is a written plan of action that addresses the “emergency care needs of a student who may have a life- threatening episode (Harringan, 2002) and is generally written for the purpose of directing the actions of school personnel (Schwab & Gelfman, 2001).” (NASN, 2008)

16. Plan Development Emergency Care Plan (ECP) (Cont.) Based on information obtained from parent/student and health care provider Simple, clear, understandable to lay people, and easy to read

17. Plan Development Transportation Care Plan (TCP) Alerts bus driver and provides clear directions for bus driver to follow Based on parent/student, health care provider input and district policies Distributed to appropriate personnel Samples

18. Teacher/Staff Education Provide general seizure education Epilepsy Foundation “Fact Sheet” Epilepsy Foundation videos – Seizure Disorders and the School I Seizure Disorders and the School II

19. Teacher/Staff Education Review plans with staff Individualized healthcare plan Individualized emergency care plan Individualized transportation plan Update plans yearly or more often as needed

20. Teacher/Staff Education (Cont.) Stress importance of communication Parent Nurse Student observations

21. Resources Epilepsy Foundation of CT 800-899-3745 Epilepsyct.com www.epilepsyfoundation.org/schoolnurse www.epilepsyfoundation.org/schoolnurs Seizure Action Plan form Epilepsy Foundation Marketplace

22. Questions ??