The Migraine Trust creates tool for NHS professionals and providers
Headache disorders affect 4 in 10 people. While most migraine does not require hospital care, there is evidence of avoidable outpatient referrals and emergency attendances and admission, which creates pressure on services, poor value for the system and poor experiences for people affected.
PIF member the Migraine Trust has partnered with the Neurological Alliance to create a new interactive headache and migraine resource navigator.
The new tool is designed to help NHS providers - particularly integrated care boards - and healthcare professionals plan, design and improve local services for people of all ages affected by headache and migraine.
It was developed with support from a steering group of expert health professionals. Stakeholder interviews and a patient focus group were held to inform the content of the tool.
'Supporting consistent joined-up care'
“Headache disorders represent one of the largest opportunities to improve neurological care across the NHS,” says Dr Rachael Kilner, Clinical Advisor on the project.
“Too many people are still experiencing avoidable delays, unnecessary referrals and fragmented pathways. This tool brings together the evidence, clinical guidance and practical resources needed to support more consistent, joined-up care across primary, community and specialist services.”
Preventing thousands of emergency admissions
According to estimates, optimal commissioning of headache and migraine services could save an ICB £11.5m per year on non-elective admissions and prevent 16,500 emergency admissions. It could do so whilst improving patient experience and meeting the Government’s aims of shifting care away from specialist services and hospitals and into community settings.
The Migraine Trust says its tool contains examples of best practice, a roadmap to transforming service delivery and resources which will help to enact that change. The pathways outlined offer a practical opportunity for commissioners and providers to manage demand, improve productivity, and deliver measurable cost and efficiency gains.
Learn more about the tool and download it via the Migraine Trust website.