Title : Impact of therapeutic patient education on treatment adherence and quality of life in adults with epilepsy: A systematic review
Abstract:
Introduction: Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) has emerged as a key strategy for improving treatment adherence and empowering individuals with epilepsy to manage their condition. Despite its growing implementation, evidence regarding the effectiveness and specific characteristics of TPE programs for adults with epilepsy are limited and inconsistent. This systematic review aimed to synthesize recent evidence on how TPE interventions contribute to better adherence, enhanced self-management, and improved quality of life in adults living with epilepsy.
Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using scientific databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar to identify studies published between 2018 and 2025. All retrieved records were exported and screened using Rayyan, an AI-based platform for systematic review management and analysis. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria.
Results: Sixteen studies involving approximately 2,500 participants from nine countries were included in the review. Most studies focused on adults with epilepsy, although a few considered caregivers or mixed-age populations. Ten of these studies were conducted in hospital settings, while three used digital or community-based platforms. The research designs varied considerably, ranging from cross-sectional and interventional studies to systematic reviews, validation work, and qualitative explorations. The follow-up period was extended from a single session to as long as six months. Interventions were classified into three categories: educational programs, self-management initiatives, and hybrid or mHealth-based approaches. Because the studies differed in terms of design and outcome measures, conducting a meta-analysis was not feasible. Instead, the findings were summarized in narrative form. Overall, educational and counseling interventions led to moderate improvements in treatment adherence and patient knowledge, whereas mHealth-focused programs tended to produce stronger gains in adherence and self-management. Quality of life outcomes improved in several cases, although these effects were somewhat inconsistent across intervention types. These results highlight how digital and hybrid approaches may increasingly enhance the accessibility and long-term impact of Therapeutic Patient Education for individuals living with epilepsy.
Conclusions: Therapeutic Patient Education remains central to epilepsy care, helping individuals better understand their condition and adhere to treatment. Emerging digital health and mHealth tools offer new ways to expand access, foster engagement, and support sustainable health outcomes.
