Medical experts’ opinion on organizing specialized medical aid for children with epilepsy and convulsive disorders in Zabaykalsky krai

Goal of the research is to assess medical and social factors in the system of organizing medical aid for children with epilepsy in Zabaykalsky Krai with the participation of medical experts. Research methods and data: questionnaire data from 24 medical experts in Zabaykalsky Krai was analyzed. Findings. According to the medical experts, condition of specialized medical aid for patients with epilepsy and convulsive disorders in Zabaykalsky Krai at the present time based on compliance with the standard of care (100,0 %) and availability of drugs in chemists shops (95,8%) appears satisfactory and good. According to the medical experts, the weakest spot of the current organization of medical aid is interaction with social services (33,3%, low estimate). Epileptologist’s consultation is necessary in all cases; otolaryngologist’s consultation is the least needed by the patients (54,2 %, low estimate). Additional diagnostic techniques, which are needed by the greater part of the patients: electroencephalography (EEG) (95,8%), plain brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (91,7%). The medical experts consider conducting regular long-term antiepileptic therapy the most significant arrangement (87,5%) among those necessary to improve treatment outcomes and to improve the quality of life of patients with epilepsy. Conclusion. According to the medical experts, the current organization of specialized medical aid for children with epilepsy and convulsive disorders in Zabaykalsky Krai based on compliance with the standard of care and availability of drugs is good and satisfactory. Condition of interaction of the organization of specialized medical aid with social services has been evaluated as unsatisfactory. The medical experts consider epileptologist the most essential specialist in the context of treatment for children with epilepsy and convulsive disorders. Demand for comprehensive treatment (incl. consultations of neurologist, epileptologist and psychiatrist) amounts to 20,84 %. Regular long-term antiepileptic medication is the basic arrangement for improvement of treatment outcomes and improvement of the quality of life of children with epilepsy and convulsive disorders.