Digital Public Defence: Oliver Henning

Dr. med Oliver Henning at Institute for Clinical Medicine will be defending the thesis “The patient's perspective on epilepsy - challenges, sexual problems, provision of information and adherence to treatment” for the degree of Dr. Philos (Doctor Philosophiae).

The public defence will be held as a video conference over Zoom.

The defence will follow regular procedure as far as possible, hence it will be open to the public and the audience can ask ex auditorio questions when invited to do so.

 

Click here to participate in the public defence

Download Zoom here

 

The digital trial lectures will be held on November 18:

Adjudication committee

  • First opponent: Professor Frank Gilliam, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
  • Second opponent: Adjunctive Professor, Eva Kumlien, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala
  • Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Professor Ole Morten Rønning, University of Oslo

Chair of the Defence

Professor II Erik Taubøll, University of Oslo

Principal Supervisor

Professor II Morten Lossius, University of Oslo

Summary

Epilepsy is a frequently occurring neurological disease and affects nearly 1 % of the general population. It is characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures due to episodic occurring electrical disturbances in the brain. Epilepsy carries cognitive, psychological, and social consequences that may impose significant burden to those who are affected and their families. Even seizure-free patients may experience an adverse impact on daily activities and their feeling of wellbeing.

The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the patients’ perspective on various epilepsy-related challenges and issues in everyday life.

Our different surveys demonstrate that even patients with well-controlled epilepsy reported a high degree of various epilepsy-related challenges, such as cognitive, medical, and psychosocial problems, and physical limitations. We found that sexual problems were more common among those with epilepsy compared to the general population. Quality of life and symptoms of depression were identified as risk factors for sexual problems. The given information about the disease, its treatment, and possible consequences of the seizures varies considerably, as did the perceived quality of the information provided. Nearly all patients or caregivers wanted to be informed about the risk for premature death related to epilepsy, but only about one third of patients or caregivers reported having received information about this serious risk. Among patients 30% reported intentional non-adherence to treatment and 40% reported unintentional non-adherence. This thesis has contributed to elucidate the major challenges or obstacles in the pursuit of a modern, comprehensive, patient-centered care.  

Additional information

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Published Nov. 4, 2020 12:44 PM - Last modified Nov. 23, 2020 10:18 AM