Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
9-5-2018 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Migraine headaches are a common chronic condition that contributes to a significant amount of disability and economic burden. Through this study, we aim to identify the patient population that is using the Emergency Department (ED) for chronic migraine (CM) treatment within the Reading Health System (RHS).
Research Methods: We conducted congruent and retrospective chart reviews of men, women, and children of all ages presenting to the ED with a severe headache between July 2017 to February 2018. All subjects were asked the same set of standard questions by a single interviewer in person or via telephone.
Results: A total of 92 patients who presented to the RHS ED were surveyed. Of the 92 patients interviewed, 68 patients were found to be either chronic according to the HIS classifications or by identifying themselves as chronic migraine sufferers. Of the 68 CM patients, 19/68 were on a prophylaxis medication, 20/68 do not have a care provider who treats their migraines and 47/68 reported to have either anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Conclusion: This interview-style study explored why headache patients go to the ED, which therapies are failing, and how our current system of headache treatment affects their daily life. We found that patients with CM make up the majority of headache visits at the RHS ED. The CM population of the RHS are underserved and undertreated and the lack of access to appropriate care is likely contributing to unnecessary ED visits.
Embargo Period
5-30-2018
Population and Needs Assessment of Migraineurs Treated by Reading Health System
Philadelphia, PA
Introduction: Migraine headaches are a common chronic condition that contributes to a significant amount of disability and economic burden. Through this study, we aim to identify the patient population that is using the Emergency Department (ED) for chronic migraine (CM) treatment within the Reading Health System (RHS).
Research Methods: We conducted congruent and retrospective chart reviews of men, women, and children of all ages presenting to the ED with a severe headache between July 2017 to February 2018. All subjects were asked the same set of standard questions by a single interviewer in person or via telephone.
Results: A total of 92 patients who presented to the RHS ED were surveyed. Of the 92 patients interviewed, 68 patients were found to be either chronic according to the HIS classifications or by identifying themselves as chronic migraine sufferers. Of the 68 CM patients, 19/68 were on a prophylaxis medication, 20/68 do not have a care provider who treats their migraines and 47/68 reported to have either anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Conclusion: This interview-style study explored why headache patients go to the ED, which therapies are failing, and how our current system of headache treatment affects their daily life. We found that patients with CM make up the majority of headache visits at the RHS ED. The CM population of the RHS are underserved and undertreated and the lack of access to appropriate care is likely contributing to unnecessary ED visits.