Epilepsy: seizure free in preceding 12 months
Indicator
The percentage of patients aged 18 or over on drug treatment for epilepsy who have been seizure free for the last 12 months recorded in the preceding 12 months.
Indicator type
General practice indicator suitable for use in the Quality and Outcomes Framework.
This document does not represent formal NICE guidance. For a full list of NICE indicators, see our menu of indicators.
To find out how to use indicators and how we develop them, see our NICE indicator process guide.
Rationale
The aim of recording seizure control is to inform on the effectiveness of epilepsy management. However, it is recognised that seizure control is influenced by factors outside the GP's control. It is expected that exception reporting for this indicator will be more common than for other chronic conditions.
Most people with active epilepsy (60% to 70%) have their seizures satisfactorily controlled with antiseizure medications. Seizure freedom should be strived for in each person with epilepsy, but not at the expense of excessive side effects. Choices of antiseizure medication must be tailored to the person and informed by the evidence base.
Source guidance
Epilepsies in children, young people and adults. NICE guideline NG217 (2022), recommendations 4.5.1, 4.5.4, and 11.1.3
Specification
Numerator: The number of patients in the denominator who have been seizure free for the last 12 months recorded in the preceding 12 months.
Denominator: The number of patients aged 18 years and over with an unresolved diagnosis of epilepsy who have a record of being on drug treatment for epilepsy in the last 6 months.
Calculation: Numerator divided by the denominator, multiplied by 100.
Exclusions: None.
Minimum population: The indicator would be appropriate to assess performance at individual general practice level.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-6004-0