People with epilepsy must adopt many self-management behaviors, including those regarding medication adherence, stress management, and sleep quality. In response to the need for theory-based self-management programs that people with epilepsy can easily access, the WebEase Web site was created and tested for feasibility, acceptability, and usability. DiIoria and coworkers discussed the theoretical background and developmental phases of WebEase and lessons learned throughout the development process. The WebEase research team developed content for the Web site on the basis of social cognitive theory, the transtheoretical model of behavior change, and motivational interviewing. Formative research and development of the WebEase program included a literature search, computer use survey, a focus group, and review by content experts and consumers. The program has two main components: (1) the modules, which provide a tailored opportunity for learning, reflection, and goal setting; and (2) MyLog, a place to enter daily information.

WHAT THIS MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: At this point, the authors only described the evolvement of a program to teach self-management skills to patients with epilepsy. However, given the thoroughness with which the investigators developed the program, plus their expertise at working with epilepsy, WebEase sounds like a very promising approach.

WHAT THIS MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: The results obtained by DiIoria and colleagues could be very beneficial to you if you experience epilepsy. It is hopeful that the results from the study with WebEase soon reach you as a consumer of a valid and reliable self-management program.

C DiIoria et al. WebEase: development of a Web-based epilepsy self-management intervention. Prevention of Chronic Disease, 2009;6:A28.