Courses

The Training department at Epilepsy Scotland provides a range of training to suit different needs. If you cannot find the course you are looking for please contact us. We can tailor courses to meet your needs.

All of our trainers are highly trained, experienced and have specialist knowledge about epilepsy. The team is managed by Dr Donna Macleod who works as a GP in Argyll and has an interest in epilepsy. As Training Co-ordinator at Epilepsy Scotland, Donna teaches the Primary Care course, as well as continuously developing and reviewing the training courses in line with changes in epilepsy care. For more information on the training team, check out 'Meet the trainers'.

If you attend any of our accredited training you will receive a comprehensive epilepsy information pack and certificate of attendance/CPD. This is included in the cost.

Epilepsy Scotland is an approved Learn Direct Scotland Learning Centre. The training courses that Epilepsy Scotland offers are in accordance with our Learn Direct Scotland “Pledge to Learners”.

Epilepsy Scotland is expanding it’s range of programmes to include training in Emergency First Aid at Work, Paediatric First Aid, Automated External Defibrillation, and Safeguarding Children: child protection. For more information, see our brochure.

When you have completed your training with us, you may be interested in further learning, information and advice

Epilepsy awareness training

These awareness training sessions provide a brief introduction to epilepsy. You will get an insight into the many different seizure types. You will explore the causes of epilepsy, its effects, common seizure triggers and epilepsy treatments available. You will also learn about first aid for seizures. We will show video footage of different seizure types. This can help you understand how subtle some seizures can be. These sessions can be tailored to your needs.

These talks are delivered in the workplace and cost may vary. Please contact us for more information.

More information on other awareness sessions.

Understanding and Managing Epilepsy (UME)

This is a half day certificated course that expands on the themes discussed in the awareness course. This course is designed for anyone working with or caring for someone with epilepsy. You do not need previous epilepsy awareness training. This course will give you greater understanding of epilepsy. The course includes information on:

• Causes of epilepsy
• Types of epileptic seizures (epilepsy symptoms and signs of epilepsy)
• Living with epilepsy
• Social implications of epilepsy
• Support needs of people with epilepsy and their families
• First aid guidance for managing seizures

The certificate is awarded on the day after completing the course. To be awarded the certificate the participant must demonstrate:

• A basic understanding of what epilepsy is and how it can be treated
• Awareness of the more common types of seizures and the effect epilepsy has on the individual, family, friends, carers and the wider community
• Understanding of first aid guidelines for seizures

The certificate for this course is valid for 2 years.

This training is accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland. You can receive an EPASS certificate of attendance. This can be used by GP’s and other Primary Care professionals to demonstrate they have undertaken high quality continuing professional development (CPD).

The cost is £49 per person delivered in our Edinburgh or Glasgow office, including lunch and refreshments.

A maximum of 15 delegates can be trained at your own venue for a cost of £550*.

Managing Difficult Epilepsy (MDE)

This one day course is also certificated for 2 years (as recommended by SIGN, NICE and JEC guidelines). It is designed for staff and volunteers in caring agencies working with people who have poorly controlled epilepsy and have been prescribed rescue medication. It is also suitable for parents and other carers.

This course will provide you with knowledge and a clear perspective of understanding and managing difficult epilepsy. The course includes information on:

• Common types of seizure types
• Treatment for epilepsy (epilepsy drugs)
• First aid for seizures
• How epilepsy can affect the person, family, friends, carers, and the wider community

You will understand the principles and safety aspects that relate to the administration of emergency medications such as rectal diazepam, rectal paraldehyde and buccal / nasal midazolam . You will learn how to act within the guidelines of the individual care plan / protocol. You will be shown the practical procedure of administering these medications and allowed to practice them where appropriate.

The certificate is awarded on the day after completing the course. To be awarded the certificate the participant must demonstrate:

• Basic understanding of what epilepsy is and how it is treated
• Awareness of the more common types of epilepsy
• Understanding of first aid guidelines for seizures including the appropriate use of emergency medication
• The practical procedure of administering rectal diazepam using a model and a rectal tube where appropriate
• An awareness of the legal and practical implications of administering rectal diazepam
• The practical procedure of administering buccal midazolam using the epistatus system
• An awareness of the implications of the use of buccal and nasal midazolam

The certificate for this course is valid for 2 years.

This training is accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland. You can receive an EPASS certificate of attendance. This can be used by GPs and other Primary Care professionals to demonstrate they have undertaken high quality continuing professional development (CPD).

The cost is £99 per person delivered in our Edinburgh or Glasgow office, including lunch and refreshments.

A maximum of 15 delegates can be trained at your own venue for a cost of £750*.

*In addition to the cost of the course, organisations will be charged for the trainer's travelling expenses which are calculated at 40p per mile from the nearest Epilepsy Scotland office to the training course venue.

Taylored training for health professionals

We also offer a training course which has been designed specifically for those working in primary and community care. For more information, please contact our training team.