Priority 15 from the Epilepsy (Canada) PSP

UNCERTAINTY:What are the best ways to support people who experience seizures secure and perform in employment (e.g., through accommodations) and what interventions can reduce workplace discrimination? (JLA PSP Priority 15)
Overall ranking	15
JLA question ID	0110/15
Explanatory note	People with epilepsy (PWE) face many employment barriers: they are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed, and also face stigma when trying to enter the workforce. PWE often fear discrimination if they choose to disclose their condition to employers or potential employers. More research is needed into how workplaces can better accomodate PWE, and what strategies can be used to help PWE obtain employment. Researchers have not yet uncovered the most effective ways to support people with seizures in the workplace, and how can society ensure that these are implemented. Research and awareness among employers can also help to de-stigmatize epilepsy so that it does not pose a barrier to career advancement.
Evidence	Epilepsy Ontario. (2018). Epilepsy and employment. Available from: https://epilepsyontario.org/epilepsy-and-employment/ Schachter S., Osbourne Shafer R., Sirven J. (2013). Safety at Work. Available From: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe/safety-work Clinic to Community. (2016). Epilepsy and Employment. Available from: https://www.clinictocommunity.ca/strategies/38-epilepsy-and-employment Job Accomodation Network. (No Date) Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder. Available from: https://askjan.org/disabilities/Epilepsy-Seizure-Disorder.cfm Wo, M.C.M., Lim, K.S., Choo, W.Y., Tan, C.T. Employability in people with epilepsy: A systematic review (2015) Epilepsy Research, 116, pp. 67-78 Beran RG, Devereaux JA & Buchanan D. (2020). Some legal aspects of epilepsy. Epilepsy & Behavior, 111, 107244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107244, 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107244 Beran RG, Devereaux JA & Buchanan D. (2020). Some legal aspects of epilepsy. Epilepsy & Behavior, 111, 107244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107244, 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107244 Krumholz A., Hopp J.L. & Sanchez A.M. (2016). Counseling Epilepsy Patients on Driving and Employment. Neurologic Clinics, 34, 427-442.
Health Research Classification System category	Neurological

Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples	How does my son continue working if he has epilepsy? ~ Can my employer fire me if I have too many seizures and I miss too much work? ~ Can epilepsy prevent you from getting certain jobs, even after receiving the surgery? ~ Epilepsy and the job market, this relationship is difficult. You study to find a job and keep it. When will support and accommodation for epileptics be more accessible?
Submitted by	People with Seizures x 43, Caregivers x 6, Friend or Family Member x 3

PSP information
PSP unique ID	0110
PSP name	Epilepsy (Canada)
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP.	96 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop	6th & 7th April 2021