Managing Epilepsy Well Network >> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epilepsy Program Update

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epilepsy Program Update
Epilepsy Foundation PEARLS Training
November 7-8, 2011, Landover, MD  
Developed with CDC Epilepsy Program support, PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives) for Epilepsy is a collaborative care intervention designed to treat major depression, minor depression, and dysthymic disorder in adults with epilepsy in their homes.  
Delivered by a trained counselor in the client's home over 19 weeks, PEARLS consists of eight 50-minute sessions of problem solving treatment, behavioral activation, and psychiatric consultation followed by 3-4 follow-up phone calls. In a randomized controlled trial study, adults assigned to the PEARLS intervention achieved lower depression severity scores and lower suicidal ideation over 12 months than adults who received usual care (Ciechanowski, et al., 2010), with findings extending to 18-months (Chaytor et al., 2011).  
Over the 2-day PEARLS Training session, participants will receive in-depth training on the PEARLS approach and methods. Participants will also understand the key elements and staff required to implement PEARLS in their communities. This will include an overview of technical support for data management, patient tracking, and program evaluation. Originally designed for older adults, PEARLS for Older Adults is being supported in collaboration with 25 different health and service providers in 9 states, providing opportunities for collaboration with the epilepsy community.  

Who should attend?   EF Affiliate Professional Advisory Board members, epilepsy healthcare and social service providers, mental health providers and EF Affiliate Executive Board staff interested in supporting a PEARLS program in their communities. Location: The training session will be held at the Epilepsy Foundation office:  8301 Professional Place, Landover, MD. For more information, including registration, please see: http://www.sph.emory.edu/ManagingEpilepsyWell/about/news.php

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