UK-BCM-240035. DOP: April 2024.
NHS Rightcare has developed a toolkit for optimising a headache and migraine care system6
The RightCare Headache and Migraine Toolkit: a pathway to provide clinicians with expert practical advice and guidance in order to:
- address the challenges of migraine and headache prevalence, and the associated disability and impact on productivity
- improve healthcare economics around migraine and headache
- benefit the patient by reducing unnecessary healthcare visits and improving overall outcomes
The toolkit identifies four priorities for system improvement. Explore the following diagram to discover the key areas for focus in each priority:
System improvement priorities6
Correct identification and diagnosis
of headache disorders
Making appropriate referrals
to secondary care
Support patients to self-manage their
condition after diagnosis
Long-term management of patients in
primary or community care
The NHS Getting It Right First Time review of neurology gives recommendations for the management of common and chronic neurological disorders, including headache
CM: chronic migraine.
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Date of preparation: March 2024. UK-BCM-240050.
IDENTIFICATION AND DIAGNOSIS6
Healthcare practitioners to be supported and educated on the presenting symptoms of primary headache disorders (migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache) and medication overuse headache:
- to include utilising clinical champions and learning sessions
Patients to be given a positive diagnosis of a primary headache disorder after being assessed against standardised criteria:
- use standardised assessment criteria, and provide an explanation of the diagnosis to the patient with reassurance that other pathologies have been excluded
Where a primary diagnosis cannot be made initially (and after the exclusion of secondary headaches) diagnostic decision making should be made over time by the application of a headache diary.
Prescribing information and adverse event reporting
Reference: 6. NHS RightCare. Headache and Migraine Toolkit optimising a headache and migraine system. Accessed March 2024
APPROPRIATE SECONDARY CARE REFERRALS6
Patients should only be referred to secondary care for further investigation if their symptoms fall outside of the standard classification of primary headache disorders.
Education and awareness of healthcare practitioners on the signs of medication overuse headache (MOH) that do not require referral into secondary care:
- to include training on signs of MOH and common features of primary headache disorders such as migraine
Consider implementation of referral support services to provide advice to healthcare professionals on the appropriateness of headache referrals to specialist outpatient neurology services.
Prescribing information and adverse event reporting
Reference: 6. NHS RightCare. Headache and Migraine Toolkit optimising a headache and migraine system. Accessed March 2024
SELF-MANAGEMENT AFTER DIAGNOSIS6
Promote the use of headache diaries to understand personal triggers.
Provide information and education to people with a primary headache disorder on the risks and signs of developing medication overuse headache (MOH).
Utilise pharmacists to provide patient advice on MOH and appropriate use of analgesics.
Support the education of employers on the impact and effect of migraine at work:
- Encourage communication between patient and employer and provide letters of diagnosis if required
Signpost people to third-sector resources including local support groups or national advice lines to reduce attendance at A&E departments.
Prescribing information and adverse event reporting
Reference: 6. NHS RightCare. Headache and Migraine Toolkit optimising a headache and migraine system. Accessed March 2024
LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT IN PRIMARY OR COMMUNITY CARE6
Undertake shared decision-making with the patient on treatment options, including prophylactic treatment.
Personalised care plans to be agreed and in place:
- Take into account individual needs and preferences, as well as comorbidities/ other risk factors
Manage primary headache disorders in primary or community settings and prescribe medication in line with NICE guidance:
- Understand what services are available within the community, and ensure community-based services have sufficient training and support to manage patients with primary headache disorders
Refer patients to a community headache clinic or a GPwSI if they become resistant to treatment:
- Define referral criteria and have a clear referral pathway
GPwSI: GP with special interest
Prescribing information and adverse event reporting
Reference: 6. NHS RightCare. Headache and Migraine Toolkit optimising a headache and migraine system. Accessed March 2024
