Expanding access to epilepsy care in western Kenya (BEACON)
Bridging the Treatment Gap by Expanding Access to Care for People With Epilepsy in Kenya (BEACON)
This project will see if training local health workers to use an epilepsy medical-records and patient-tracking system helps people aged 12 and older in western Kenya stay on antiseizure medicines and remain in care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 650 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Eldoret) |
| Trial ID | NCT06623994 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
BEACON is a cluster-randomized trial comparing task-sharing supported by an epilepsy medical records system (EMRS) and patient-tracking to usual care across clinics in western Kenya. Clusters of clinics will implement the BEACON intervention, where non-specialist health workers use the EMRS to manage follow-up, medication adherence, and referrals. Outcomes include treatment adherence, retention in care, seizure severity, perceived stigma, and quality of life, with data collected at baseline, 6, 12, and potentially 18 months. The study also includes a cost-effectiveness analysis and efforts to build local clinical and research capacity for epilepsy care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are people aged 12 or older who live in Busia or Trans Nzoia County, have a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, and are not currently adherent to antiseizure medication.
Not a fit: People already receiving specialist neurologic or neurosurgical care for a serious brain disorder, or those unable or unwilling to give informed consent, are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, BEACON could increase medication adherence and clinic retention, reduce seizures and stigma, and expand practical access to epilepsy care in the region.
How similar studies have performed: Task-sharing and use of electronic medical records have shown promise in other low-resource health areas, but combining task-sharing with an epilepsy-specific EMRS in Kenya is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals ≥12 years * Residents of Busia or Trans Nzoia County * Diagnosed with possible epilepsy through initial screening and confirmed diagnosis by an epilepsy-trained professional with the BEACON project or physician * Have a diagnosis of epilepsy but are not adherent to antiseizure medication treatment. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals receiving care from a neurosurgeon or neurologist for a serious brain disorder * Unable or unwilling to provide voluntary informed consent or assent (12-18 years)
Where this trial is running
Eldoret
- Moi University — Eldoret, Kenya (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jane von Gaudecker, PhD — Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Jane von Gaudecker, PhD
- Email: jvongaud@iu.edu
- Phone: 317-278-2758
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.