We're planning for #EpilepsyDay 2023!

International Epilepsy Day (IED) takes place next year on February 13th 2023.

In the most recent years, we have focused on myths associated with epilepsy (IED 2020); analogies to help the public to understand a seizure with key messages on seizure first aid (IED 2021); and how people can be treated differently as a result of their condition & seizure first-aid (IED 2022). 

All three campaigns have been well-received and if you would like to familiarise yourself with them before completing this survey, you can do so by visiting the 'Awareness & Campaigns section of the Epilepsy Ireland website. 

We’d appreciate your thoughts on public awareness priorities as we plan the day for next year. Please take our short survey and let us know what you think.

When thinking about your answers, please remember that the day is primarily used to inform the wider general public about epilepsy, many of whom may have little knowledge of the condition.

Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey!

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* 1. What themes do you think #EpilepsyDay 2023 should focus on?

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* 2. Please tell us how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements.

  Strongly agree Slightly Agree Not sure Slightly Disagree Strongly Disagree
More work is needed to educate the public on what to do if someone has a seizure
More work is needed to dispel myths and misconceptions about epilepsy (e.g. the 'spoon in moth' myth, 'flashing lights' misconception)
More work is needed to educate the public that epilepsy is 'more than seizures'
More work is needed to gain public support for key advocacy issues facing people with epilepsy and their families e.g. free travel.

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* 3. Do you think it would be appropriate to use our campaign to potentially focus on one key impact of living with epilepsy/myth/advocacy campaign? (For example, a campaign solely focussed on trying to dispel the myth of putting a spoon in a person's mouth during a seizure)

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* 4. Of our last three #EpilepsyDay Campaigns, which was your favourite? Rank in order from 1 to 3 where 1 is the favourite and 3 is least favourite

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* 5. In your opinion, how important are each of the following communication channels in getting the #EpilepsyDay campaign messages out to the general public?

  Very important Somewhat important Not sure Somewhat unimportant Not at all important
Social Media
National Newspapers (e.g. Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Daily Mail, Daily Star etc)
TV
National Radio (e.g. RTE, Today FM, Newstalk)
Local Radio and Newspapers
Other Media (Billboards, Digital Displays etc)

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* 6. Are there any other forms of communication that you feel can be used to increase public awareness of epilepsy?

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* 7. How important are each of these aspects of International Epilepsy Day in your opinion?

  Very important Somewhat important Not sure Somewhat unimportant Not important at all
Presenting lived experiences of epilepsy.
Ensuring the public have a simple, memorable message from the campaign.
Securing as much radio/ newspaper/ TV coverage as possible.
Ensuring a wide social media reach

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* 8. Is there anything else that you feel is an important part of #EpilepsyDay?'

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* 9. What kind of materials do you like best for public awareness campaigns? Rank in order from 1 to 4 where 1 is the most important and 4 the least important

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* 10. Are there any other materials that you would like to see used in a campaign?

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* 11. Do you think it would be appropriate to use humour in our #EpilepsyDay campaign if it meant creating a lasting message?

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* 12. Do you think it would be appropriate to use real-life seizure videos as part of a campaign to show the real impact of epilepsy?

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* 13. Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share about #EpilepsyDay 2023?

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