Access to Triptans for Acute Episodic Migraine: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Triptans are crucial for acute migraine treatment, yet their utilization is suboptimal.
• Barriers to initial and continued triptan access at patient, provider, and system levels require comprehensive exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine factors influencing triptan access from the perspectives of patients, physicians, and pharmacists.
• To identify patient, provider, and healthcare system-level barriers and facilitators to triptan utilization.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study was conducted in Ontario, Canada.
• Semi-structured telephone interviews were performed with migraineurs (n=19), physicians (n=6), and pharmacists (n=8).
• The framework approach guided data collection and analysis.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: awareness, apathy, advocacy, and affordability.
• Awareness of treatments and coverage, patient/physician apathy, patient self-advocacy, and the role of pharmacists as advocates influenced access.
• Affordability and coverage limitations impacted treatment appropriateness.

Conclusions:

• This study identifies critical patient, provider, and healthcare system barriers affecting triptan access for migraine.
• Findings offer insights into prescribing, dispensing, and accessing triptans, informing strategies to improve patient access to these migraine therapies.