Abstracts

Rationale: This study sought to evaluate the interest level of patients with epilepsy (PWE) in using a self-management mobile app (SmApp) by a questionnaire. Methods: Criteria for participation in this IRB-exempt study included: age >18 years; established diagnosis of epilepsy; normal intelligence; and the ability to complete the questionnaire. A 20 question interactive iPad questionnaire was designed to evaluate PWE interest in using SmApp and features like monitoring and understanding disease, music based interventions and therapy adherence. Results: Forty PWE completed this survey. Over 90% of PWE were interested in using a SmApp. Regarding monitoring their epilepsy, PWE were interested in using a diary to record seizures dates (85%), seizure type (73%), and missed medication dosages (78%). In relation to automated reminders, most were interested in reminders to keep follow up appointments (80%), refill medications (73%) and take their medication on time (68%). Regarding disease understanding/informative features, most were interested in delivery of epilepsy and seizure-related information (68%), how feelings and environment affect their epilepsy (84%); learning about their own feelings regarding their epilepsy (63%) and inspirational quotations and imagery (42%).  Also, 5% of participants did not find informative features applicable to them and left this section blank. Two music-based intervention questions focused on seizure control and comparing music with other relaxation techniques-imagery, games and puzzles and practicing mindfulness. About 75% of participants were interested in music that may help seizure control and 68% were interested in relaxing music that may help alleviate stress, while 40% of patients were interested in relaxing imagery that may help alleviate stress. 70% of patients were interested in playing relaxing games and puzzles, while 35% were interested in drawing or writing while listening to music.  About 63% were interested in practicing mindfulness. To determine potential adherence to music-based intervention, participants were asked how long they would be willing to listen to potential antiseizure music delivered daily for 10 minutes. 65% of participants imagined using it for several months or longer including 45% imagined such therapy lasting for one year or longer.  13% of participants would listen for several weeks or longer, while 23% only for several days or longer. Conclusions: Participating PWE showed interest in using a SmApp. Interest was greater for passively listening to music than actively using imagery, and greater for playing games or puzzles than writing or drawing while listening to music. There was more interest in observational relaxation techniques like practicing mindfulness, immersing passively by listening to music, and reactively engaging in puzzles and games compared with techniques involving mental creativity like drawing, writing or using imagery. Funding: None