Using seizure rescue medication as part of a comprehensive epilepsy self-management program

Seizure Rescue Medication (RM) as Part of a Comprehensive Epilepsy Self-management Package of Care

Phase 4 Interventional University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center · NCT06346262

This study is testing a new program that helps people with epilepsy learn how to use seizure rescue medication better and manage their condition through education and support.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06346262 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the SMART program by incorporating education and self-management support for the use of Rescue Medication (RM) among individuals with epilepsy who experience repetitive seizures. It will involve two phases, starting with stakeholder input from a community advisory board to refine the program based on personal experiences. Participants will engage in virtual meetings to discuss and review educational materials over a three-month period. The second phase will involve a six-month follow-up to assess the effectiveness of the adapted program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with epilepsy who have experience using rescue medications and can communicate in English.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have epilepsy or are unable to participate in English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could empower patients with epilepsy to better manage their seizures and improve their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using self-management programs for epilepsy, indicating potential for positive outcomes with this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Phase 1 Patient with epilepsy inclusion criteria:

* Have epilepsy
* Have experience with RM
* Be 18 years or older
* Be able to speak and understand English
* Be able to provide written, informed consent to study participation

Phase 1 Caregiver inclusion criteria

* Provide care support to an individual with epilepsy
* Be 18 years or older
* Be able to speak and understand English
* Be able to provide written, informed consent to study participation

Phase 1 Provider inclusion criteria

* Provide care for individuals with epilepsy - this may include (not limited to) physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse, social worker, psychologist
* Be 18 years or older
* Be able to speak and understand English
* Be able to provide written, informed consent to study participation

Inclusion criteria for PEs:

* Have epilepsy
* Have experience with RM
* Be 18 years or older
* Be able to speak and understand English
* Be able to provide written, informed consent to study participation

Inclusion criteria for participants who will receive SMART-RM:

* Have received a previous diagnosis of epilepsy
* Be adults ≥ age 18,
* While on a regimen of anti-epileptic medication, still be experiencing bouts of seizures (e.g. frequent break through or acute repetitive seizures) distinct from their usual seizure pattern , and, in the opinion of the study epilepsy clinician, may need benzodiazepine intervention for seizure control
* Have experienced at least 3 seizures but not more than 100 seizures in the previous 6 months. If there have only been 3 seizures in the last 6 months, two of the seizures should be within approximately 24 hours of each other (not more than 48 hours apart)
* Be able to speak and understand English
* Be able to provide written, informed consent to study participation

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria for participants who will receive SMART-RM:

* Individuals who have had allergic reaction to diazepam or who have medical/psychiatric that are contraindications to the use of diazepam
* Individuals prescribed opioid medications
* Individuals with acute narrow angle glaucoma
* Individuals with known dependence on benzodiazepines or current benzodiazepine abuse.
* Actively suicidal/homicidal
* Individuals with a diagnosis of dementia
* Individuals who are unable to provide written informed consent to participate in study and who do not have a legally authorized representative or individuals who are unable to participate in study procedures.
* Pregnant women

Where this trial is running

New York, New York and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions EpilepsyEpilepsy Self ManagementSeizureReduction medicationAnti-seizure medication
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.