Case Synopsis
This case revolves around the stigma experienced by individuals living with epilepsy. It discusses how Martha, a strategic planner at the Epilepsy Support Centre in London, Ontario, identified the negative health and social implications that confront individuals living with epilepsy. It then sets the stage in terms of problems faced by children and adolescents with epilepsy who are living in London, Ontario, and in terms of public health issues, school boards and government, and future directions. As this is a new initiative that is designed to be introduced into the school curriculum, it is crucial to have appropriate and influential stakeholders on board to actualize this epilepsy awareness program.
Case Objectives
- Become aware of how the different social determinants of health impact people living with epilepsy.
- Apply the knowledge of how to complete a community needs assessment.
- Analyze how different stakeholders play a role in creating the provincial-curriculum health promotion program.
- Determine stakeholder values and effectively engage them.
- Motivate fellow stakeholders and adapt to challenges.
- Evaluate recommendations and outcomes.
Case Study Questions
- What are the dilemmas currently being faced by Martha and Morrison of the Epilepsy Support Centre?
- Is it enough to just educate elementary school students about epilepsy? Why or why not?
- Why do you think the Epilepsy Support Centre decided to introduce a health promotion program into the elementary school curriculum? Was this choice appropriate?
- What elements make a health promotion program successful? How much does scientific knowledge matter in such a health promotion program?
- Both Martha and Morrison agree that an elementary-school-based program would help increase awareness about epilepsy to younger populations. If you were Martha, how would you convince the Ontario Ministry of Education that this health promotion program is necessary?
- What steps could Martha and Morrison take to determine the attitudes, knowledge, and perception of students in elementary schools?
- Who are the potential key stakeholders in this case? Would there be different levels of interests or values among stakeholders? Why?
- What are the possible challenges that Martha and Morrison might encounter with implementing this health promotion program?
- How would you effectively evaluate the recommendations made by Martha?
- What would be the outcome of a needs assessment that was not properly planned?
Keywords
epilepsy, health education, health promotion, stigma, best-practice
ISBN
978-0-7714-3141-8
Recommended Citation
Tay, J., Franklin, M., Secco, M., Sibbald, S.L. (2017). Moving Towards an Inclusive Society: Implementing Epilepsy Awareness Education in the Ontario Elementary School Health Curriculum. in: John-Baptiste, A. & McKinley, G. [eds] Western Public Health Casebook 2017. London, ON: Public Health Casebook Publishing.
