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Healthcare impact of a digital health programme for patients with chronic or high-frequency episodic migraine

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European Statement

Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

Author(s)

Anna de Dios-López, Neus Pagès-Puigdemont, Montserrat Masip-Torné, Pau Riera-Armengol, Rebeca Pelegrín-Cruz, Cristina Martínez-Molina, Noemí Morollón, Robert Belvís-Nieto, Maria Antònia Mangues-Bafalluy, Mar Gomis-Pastor

Why was it done?

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterised by frequent headache. Patients with an episodic migraine pattern have <15 monthly migraine days (MMD), whereas patients with a chronic pattern have ≥15 MMD. Migraine has a high prevalence (15-20% of female and 5-8% of male) and a great impact on their quality of life. Many migraine patients can benefit from preventive treatment. The use of a digital health programme in these patients can allow a real-time monitoring of treatment effectiveness (through the register of migraine attacks frequency) and adverse events. Additionally, it can improve the communication between patients and HCP.

What was done?

We tested a patients’ mobile phone (mHealth) application in chronic and high-frequency episodic migraine patients. This application was synchronically linked with a website for healthcare professionals (HCP) and hospital clinical records.

How was it done?

MyPlan is a mHealth application adapted from another one developed in our hospital for heart transplant patients. Firstly, we conducted a focus group with patients to understand their needs and preferences. This platform fulfils the quality and Data Protection Regulation.

What has been achieved?

13 patients and carers participated in two different focus groups. Another focus group was conducted with the Neurology Department of our institution. The results permitted to adapt the mHealth application with the following functionalities and registers:
• Synchronous (videocall) and asynchronous (direct message) communication between patients and HCP
• Medication adherence
• Treatment adverse events
• MMD and monthly headache days (MHD)
• Monitoring through the register of biomeasures (blood pressure, weight), lifestyle habits (diet, exercise) and questionnaires (MIDAS, HIT-6, EQ-5D, MSQ)
• Information
Data registered by the patient was used to guide clinical management and improve patients’ healthcare route.

What next?

The introduction of mHealth in the healthcare route of patients with migraine could benefit both patients and HCP. This strategy could be incorporated in other health facilities that attend migraine patients in an outpatient setting. Nowadays, a clinical trial is being conducted to demonstrate its clinical benefit.

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