Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
19.1K
GPs' experiences with brief intervention for medication-overuse headache: a qualitative study in general practice
Jan C Frich1, Espen Saxhaug Kristoffersen2, Christofer Lundqvist3
1Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Summary
General practitioners find Brief Intervention (BI) a feasible strategy for treating medication-overuse headache (MOH). A strong doctor-patient relationship is key to overcoming patient misconceptions about headache medication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- General Practice
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a prevalent condition managed primarily in primary care.
- Brief Intervention (BI), a motivational technique, shows potential for treating MOH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore general practitioners' (GPs) experiences using BI in managing MOH patients.
- To understand the feasibility and challenges of implementing BI in primary care for MOH.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study conducted in Norwegian general practice.
- Four focus group interviews with 22 GPs involved in a BI intervention study for MOH.
- Systematic text condensation used for transcript analysis.
Main Results:
- GPs faced challenges in convincing patients that headache medication could cause MOH.
- Diagnosing MOH created an opening for therapeutic change.
- BI was perceived as usable within regular consultations and capable of shifting patient perspectives.
- Patient guilt and the importance of a strong doctor-patient alliance were highlighted.
Conclusions:
- GPs view BI as a practical approach for treating MOH.
- Successful BI implementation for MOH hinges on a strong doctor-patient relationship.
- GPs need to address and correct patient misconceptions regarding headache medication.
