Healthcare professional education on functional neurological symptoms and experiences of managing functional seizures during pregnancy: a scoping review and empirical study

Yet, little is known about how heallhcare professionals (HCPs) are educated about these conditions or how this knowledge is applied in practice, especially in complex contexts such as pregnancy. This paper brings together findings from a scoping review of FNS education and an empirical study exploring HCPs experiences of managing patients with functional seizures (FS in pregnancy.

The scoping review, conducted according to Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the PRISMA-ScR checklist, systematically mapped 18 studies from five databases. Results indicated marked variability in the scope and delivery of FNS teaching, with content on specific symptoms typically confined to neurology focused training. Teaching methods commonly included didactic, role-play, and video-based activities. but there was little consensus on evaluation approaches, highlighting gaps in standardisation and best practice.<br><br>Complementing this, the empirical study used semi-structured interviews with 12 HCPs from neurology, obstetrics, and maternity care to explore experiences of caring for women with FS during pregnancy.