A roadmap to closing the evidence-to-practice gap in status epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE) is a time-sensitive, potentially life-threatening neuro-emergency associated with poor functional outcomes and increased hospital resource utilization especially when it progresses to refractory or super-refractory forms. Timely recognition & treatment improves outcomes, however gaps between recommended and implemented care are common and pervasive.

This review provides a roadmap for incorporating the relatively new field of Implementation Science in promoting the systematic uptake of evidence-based practices into the real-world care of patients with SE. A multifaceted approach − including better integration of real-world implementation and research infrastructure, an emphasis on standardizing and harmonization clinical data, re-examining funding priorities, regulatory reform, and the formation of transdisciplinary teams and learning collaboratives − has the potential to advance the care of patients in SE from its current status quo.

This topic was presented at the 9th London-Innsbruck Colloquium on Status Epilepticus and Acute Seizures held in April 2024.