Improving Epilepsy Treatment and Care Access in Kenya Using Task Sharing and Medical Records Support BEACON

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to learn about the effectiveness of a task-sharing approach supported by an epilepsy medical records system called BEACON in improving treatment adherence and retention in care for people with epilepsy in western Kenya. Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition with a high burden in this region, and delays or poor adherence to treatment can worsen health outcomes and quality of life. The study compares patients receiving the BEACON intervention to those receiving usual care to assess differences in outcomes such as seizure severity and stigma. Participants are assigned to either the usual care group, where they receive standard epilepsy care from clinicians including consultations and prescriptions, or the BEACON group, where trained clinicians share epilepsy management tasks supported by a medical records system for patient tracking. Reminders about follow-up appointments are given by phone or text, and community health workers help contact participants who miss appointments. Both groups use the same antiseizure medications. During the study, participants will be assessed at baseline, 6, 12, and possibly 18 months. Researchers will collect data on medication adherence through questionnaires and blood levels, retention in care, seizure severity, quality of life, perceived stigma, safety, and mortality. The study also aims to build clinical and research capacity for epilepsy care in the area. Participation involves regular visits and follow-up contacts to support care and monitor progress over time.

Bridging the Treatment Gap by Expanding Access to Care for People With Epilepsy in Kenya (BEACON)