[Interdisciplinary Concepts of Paediatrics and Clinical Pharmacy to Optimise Anticonvulsant Treatment].

Expertise in a variety of fields is required for the diagnostic process of epilepsies in children and adolescents as well as for their treatment with anticonvulsants. Patients benefit in the process from the cooperation of different health care professionals. It is of critical importance for risks to be minimised and for the efficacy shown in controlled clinical trials to be maintained in routine conditions. In the first instance, drug prescription procedures, including the choice of anticonvulsants and combinations of drugs and dosing, have to be considered. The administration of drugs has, of course, also to be taken into account. Only if patients are given their anticonvulsants appropriately, the intended success of the therapy can be accomplished. Strategies aimed at improving drug administration have to be directed not only at nurses but also at parents, children and adolescents themselves, as well as caregivers in schools and children's day-care facilities. By providing theoretical teaching, practical training, and routinely including pharmacists in the therapeutic team, drug-related problems that may result in limited effectiveness and increased risks are prevented. As a result, drug (therapy) safety is not only qualitatively improved, but the degree of participation and quality of life of patients and families is improved as well.