Secondary abstract: |
Theoretical basis: Epilepsy is a serious social and health issue. The purpose of this thesis is to introduce specific issues of a patient with epilepsy in the time of impregnation, during pregnancy, childbirth, and in postnatal period, plus describe health care treatment of the patient with epilepsy from the planning of pregnancy to the postnatal period.
Research methods: In this thesis we used a descriptive research method. The theoretical part is based on analysis of Slovene and foreign technical literature. The empirical part is based on quantitative research. As a metric accessory we used an interview. We conducted a case study with the help of a partially structured questionnaire in the form of open-ended questions. A research sample introduces one patient with epilepsy, after the childbirth.
Results: Based on the answers obtained during the interview, observation of the patient, and examination of the medical documentation, we established that the frequency of epileptic seizures had an important role in decision-making about impregnation. The patient remained fertile, and in the first and second three months the pregnancy proceeded without any bigger issues or complications, despite the frequent epileptic seizures. We noticed a lack of multidisciplinary cooperation and integration of a nurse in leading, guiding, and counselling to a patient with epilepsy, which was present in all the periods, from impregnation to postnatal period.
Discussion and conclusion: Epilepsy, despite of high incidence, is still a taboo subject due to lack of knowledge and information about epilepsy and epileptic seizures, as among population as among the patients themselves. In order to achieve as safe, healthy and successful impregnation, pregnancy, childbirth, plus postnatal period among the patients with epilepsy as possible, an additional extensive awareness, informing, help, professional guidance of patients with epilepsy, relatives, and broader local community would be necessary, performed by healthcare workers. |