Patients' experiences with a nurse-led transmural headache care pathway: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Digital Health
• Nursing Care

Background:

• Headaches represent a significant global health burden, often inadequately managed in primary care settings.
• Limited time and expertise in general practices hinder optimal headache treatment.
• A unique nurse-led, digital transmural care pathway was developed to enhance headache care quality and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient experiences with a novel nurse-led digital transmural headache care pathway.
• To assess patient-reported headache burden and control.
• To evaluate experiences with communication, person-centeredness, and accessibility within the pathway.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study involving fourteen semi-structured interviews.
• Participants included patients with tension-type headache, migraine, and medication overuse headache.
• Thematic analysis was employed for data interpretation.

Main Results:

• Patients desired reduced headache burden and better condition management.
• Many participants reported fewer headaches and improved daily functioning.
• Digital communication was valued for accessibility and time-saving, though in-person contact was preferred initially. A digital diary app provided insights but needed usability improvements.
• Nurse practitioners were commended for expertise, listening skills, and personalized treatment.

Conclusions:

• The nurse-led digital pathway is valued for accessible, person-centered care and expert support.
• Enhancements to the digital app and holistic assessments could further optimize patient care.
• The pathway demonstrates potential for wider implementation across diverse headache patient groups.