Comprehensive Communication System of Epilepsy Care in the Western Medical Service Area of Shizuoka -Two Years after the Introduction of the Epi-passport-

Abstract

There are some obstacles with establishing a comprehensive communication system between patients, primary-care physicians and epilepsy specialists (Epi-Net) in the current Japanese epilepsy care system. To build this system in the western medical service area of Shizuoka, we have introduced the "Epilepsy Passport" as of December 2014. This tool allows the patient's medical information about freedom from seizures and current medications to be shared among Epi-Net members. We have already issued 244 Epi passports. The age distribution was mostly in the working-age population. Many of the patients were referred from primary-care but not from hospitals non-specializing in epilepsy. To build a realistic network, close and direct communications between primary-care and specialists should be taken into consideration more.