The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has been at the forefront of epilepsy research and care for over a century. In the past decade, the ILAE has made significant strides in advancing our understanding and treatment of epilepsy. This blog post explores some of these advancements and offers practical insights for practitioners looking to enhance their skills and improve patient outcomes.
The Strategic Plan: A Roadmap for Progress
In 2009, the ILAE developed a strategic plan that has guided its initiatives over the past decade. This plan involved experts from around the world and laid the groundwork for the League's role as a leading resource in epilepsy care. One key outcome was the establishment of Regional Commissions that ensure global representation and participation in decision-making processes. Practitioners can benefit from this global network by engaging with regional boards and staying informed about international standards and practices.
Leveraging Media and Communications
The ILAE has embraced modern communication tools to disseminate information effectively. The establishment of Web, Media, and Communications offices has led to a tripling of website traffic since 2010. Practitioners can access a wealth of resources through the ILAE website, YouTube channels, podcasts, and news publications. These platforms provide valuable insights into epilepsy management and offer opportunities for continuous learning.
Collaborative Efforts for Global Impact
The ILAE's collaborations with organizations like the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have amplified its impact on a global scale. These partnerships have resulted in initiatives such as the Written Declaration of Epilepsy by the European Parliament and the PAHO Strategy on Epilepsy for the Americas. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in these collaborative efforts to advocate for better policies and resources for epilepsy care.
Education at the Core
Education remains a cornerstone of the ILAE's mission. The Virtual Epilepsy Academy (VIREPA) offers online courses that cater to different levels of expertise. The development of a competencies-based curriculum in 2019 further enhances educational offerings. Practitioners can take advantage of these resources to stay updated on best practices and emerging research in epilepsy care.
The ILAE Educational Curriculum
The curriculum comprises seven domains with 42 competencies and 124 learning objectives across three levels: entry, proficiency, and advanced proficiency. This structured approach allows practitioners to tailor their learning journey according to their needs and career stage.
Research Publications: A Growing Portfolio
The ILAE's publication portfolio has expanded significantly with journals like Epilepsia Open offering open access to high-quality research. The Wikipedia Initiative further extends reach by providing accurate information about epilepsy to a broader audience. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to these publications or utilize them as reliable sources for evidence-based practice.
Tackling Research Gaps
The ILAE has taken steps to bridge the gap between preclinical research findings and clinical applications. Initiatives like harmonizing preclinical studies and creating common data elements (CDEs) aim to optimize research reporting and collaboration across laboratories. Practitioners can engage with these efforts by participating in translational research workshops or contributing their expertise to task forces.
Engaging Future Generations
The Young Epilepsy Section (YES), established in 2018, focuses on engaging young professionals in epilepsy care. Programs like mentor-mentee initiatives provide valuable networking opportunities for early-career practitioners. By participating in these programs, practitioners can gain insights from seasoned experts while contributing fresh perspectives to the field.
The ILAE's achievements over the past decade demonstrate its commitment to advancing epilepsy care worldwide. By leveraging these insights, practitioners can enhance their skills, contribute to ongoing research efforts, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The ILAE at 110—Reflections on the last decade.
