Perceptions and Needs of Patients With Migraine
A Focus Group Study
The understanding of migraines and the availability of tools to aid in their treatment have increased considerably in recent years, particularly with the advent of the Internet (Table 3). This information is useful only when both physician and patient are involved. Future studies should focus on developing a greater understanding of barriers to effective migraine management and efforts to eliminate them.
TABLE 3
SELECTED INTERNET RESOURCES FOR MIGRAINE MANAGEMENT
| Evidence-based guidelines for migraine headache, American Academy of Neurology Web site |
| https://www.aan.com/public/practiceguidelines/01.pdf |
| American Council for Headache Education (ACHE) |
| www.achenet.org |
| National Headache Foundation (NHF) |
| www.headaches.org |
Conclusions
Results of this focus group study suggest that people are interested in understanding their migraines and securing relevant information about it as well as in obtaining pain relief. Participants desired collaborative relationships with their physicians and wanted a team approach to treatment that involved both physician and patient.
