Patient, caregiver, and healthcare professional perspectives on seizure control and treatment goals.

Abstract Objective To examine perspectives of adult patients with epilepsy, caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on seizure freedom, seizure control, communication, and treatment goals. Methods Participants were recruited from online M3 panel and by Rare Patient Voice, and completed the self-administered online STEP Survey (Seize the Truth of Epilepsy Perceptions). Group comparisons used analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Results The STEP Survey was completed by 400 adult patients with epilepsy, 201 caregivers, and 258 HCPs (112 general neurologists, 96 epileptologists, 50 nurse practitioners/physician assistants). Significantly more patients (61%) and caregivers (66%) than HCPs (45%) agreed that seizure freedom is always a reasonable goal (P  Conclusions Differing perspectives on seizure freedom, seizure control, communication priorities, and treatment goals that were identified in the STEP Survey provide opportunities to improve patient care and outcomes through more effective two-way communication and alignment of goals among patients with epilepsy, caregivers, and HCPs.