SUDEP Action

Making every epilepsy death count
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Checklist FAQs


Do you have a question about the SUDEP & Seizure Safety Checklist? Take a look at our FAQs below. Still unsure? Get in touch 

1. How do I get a copy of the Checklist?

Simply complete the form at the bottom of the Checklist Homepage & we'll be in touch with a copy of the tool (please note it is not available for automatic download).

2. I am not a UK Clinician can I still use the Checklist?

Currently the Checklist is only available to Clinicians working within the NHS in the UK. However we have plans to release the Checklist internationally soon; if you would be interested in this, please let us know here

3. I live outside of the UK – when will the Checklist be available for me?

The Checklist Team are planning to release the Checklist internationally soon once funding is secured to support this development. This will happen in a country by country basis, working with supportive clinicians and local epilepsy organisations. If you are interested in a launch in your country, get in touch

4. I care for someone with epilepsy. Can I use the Checklist to assess their risk?

The Checklist is a tool for clinicians who care for people with epilepsy to support them in discussing epilepsy risks & wellbeing with their patients. If you are concerned about someone you know with epilepsy, consider telling them about EpSMon, the sister tool to the Checklist, designed for people with epilepsy to use themselves. 

5. I'm a Paediatrician, can I use the Checklist with my patients?

The Checklist was designed using research based on adults with epilepsy, so it is recommended that the tool be used with adult patients or those transitioning from peadiatric to adult services (16 years+). A paediatric specific Checklist is currently in development as part of SUDEP Action's plan to devlop risk information and services to support children, young people and their parents/carers. Keep informed of this project by signing up to our Health Professional enews. Our new leaflets for Parents/Carers of Children with Epilepsy are soon to launch - these may be helpful in the meantime. 

6. I work in a care setting - can I use the Checklist?

The Checklist is only for use by NHS qualified clinicians who manage the care of people with epilepsy. We welcome its use within a care setting, but it must only be completed by these professionals (who have individually registered for the tool) and not by other members of the care team involved in the patients’ care. In instances when non-NHS clinically qualified staff are working closely with their patients to tackle their epilepsy risks, EpSMon, the Epilepsy monitoring app and our information leaflets are available to support them. 


7. How do I use the Checklist during my clinical appointments?

There are a range of ways to use the Checklist; is has been designed to fit into and support exisiting practice or help develop your risk epilepsy management strategies. It doesn't provide clinicians with a set pathway that will ensure their patients are safe; as ultimately effective epilepsy risk management requires an approach suited to individual patients' needs and the clinicians own style of care. Check out the Checklist Case Studies page for inspiration & let us know how you're planning on using the tool. 

8. Are there resources available to support my use the Checklist in clinical practice?

SUDEP Action have created a range of freely available resources to support Clinicians in using the Checklist with their patients. See them here

9. I’d like to carry out some research about the Checklist; is this possible?
Yes! The Checklist Partners are always keen to hear from supportive clinicians using the Checklist who may wish to use it / reference it in research. Do get in touch with an outline of your plans so we can issue a research licence & make a note for our records. We would ask that the Checklist Partners are recognised by name in the research and SUDEP Action would also welcome being PPI on any research using the Checklist. 

10Can the Checklist be integrated into my computer software?

The Checklist is currently available Word format which may be integrateable into your record system; if not it can be attached to patient notes. We ask that clinical teams / Trusts looking to integrate the Checklist into their systems get in contact so we can keep a record of where this is happening. 

11. Why do I have to give some of my personal information to receive the Checklist?

The Checklist has a clinical governance structure to ensure it is being use responsibly and appropriately in a clinical setting. Part of this requires collecting minimal personal information from the clinicians using the Checklist so we can contact you with new versions of the tool and important updates. 

12. How often is the Checklist updated with new evidence?

Each year the Checklist Development Team review the previous 12 month's research into epilepsy, epilepsy risks and SUDEP to update the Checklist's content and references as required. 

13. How can I be kept up to date on new developments about the Checklist & SUDEP Action’s other safety tools?​

SUDEP Action, one of the two Checklist Partner organisations update both Clinicians and Supporters on relevant developments and news related to Epilepsy, Risk & SUDEP throughout the year via their Health Professional and Supporter Enews. If you'd like to receive these, please sign up here.

14. I’ve got lots of ideas about how the Checklist can be /is being used in my organisation – how can I share our good practice with other clinicians?

Fantastic! The Checklist Partners like to hear how the tool is being used in varied clinican settings to support clinicians and people with epilepsy. If you have a little time, do get in touch to let us know your feedback & how you are using it. 

15. The Checklist would be even more useful if…. How can I give feedback?

If you have an idea about how the Checklist could be even more useful so clincians like yourself, let us know; after all, the tool can only help Clincians reduce risks in people with epilepsy if they use it! The Checklist is updated anually by the Development Team and as part of this process feedback gathered by users is considered.