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Buture, A, Ahmed, F, Mehta, Y, Paemeleire, K, Goadsby, P and Dikomitis, L (2020) Perceptions, experiences and understandings of cluster headache among GPs and neurologists: a qualitative study. British Journal of General Practice, 70 (696). pp. 514-522. ISSN 0960-1643
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Buture et al-Perceptions and experiences of cluster headache among GPs and neurologists (version accepted in BJGP 30.12.2019).docx - Accepted Version
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Abstract
Background Cluster headache is a severe primary headache with a similar prevalence to that of multiple sclerosis. Cluster headache is characterised by unilateral trigeminal distribution of pain, ipsilateral cranial autonomic features, and a tendency to circadian and circannual periodicity.
Aim To explore the perceptions, experiences, and understandings of cluster headache among GPs and neurologists.
Design and setting Qualitative interview study in primary care surgeries and neurology departments in the north of England.
Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs and neurologists, recorded, and transcribed. A thematic analysis was applied to the dataset.
Results Sixteen clinicians participated in this study: eight GPs and eight neurologists. Four main themes were identified following thematic analysis: challenges with the cluster headache diagnosis; impact of cluster headache; challenges with treatment; and appropriateness of referrals to secondary care. Clinicians recognised the delays in the diagnosis of cluster headache, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement, and were aware of the potential impact cluster headache can have on patients’ mental health and ability to remain in employment. Findings highlighted tensions between primary and secondary care around the cost of medication and the remit of prescribing treatment regimens. Patients’ anxiety, their need for reassurance, and their insistence about seeing a specialist are some of the reasons for referrals.
Conclusion Clinicians acknowledged delays in diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement of cluster headache. The responsibility of prescribing causes ongoing tensions between primary and secondary care. Clear referral and management pathways for primary headaches are required to improve patient outcomes and healthcare costs.
Item Type: | Article |
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Uncontrolled Keywords: | Perceptions, GPs, cluster headache, neurologist. |
Subjects: | Q Science > Q Science (General) R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
Divisions: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Primary, Community and Social Care |
Depositing User: | Symplectic |
Date Deposited: | 11 Feb 2020 10:09 |
Last Modified: | 01 Jun 2021 01:30 |
URI: | https://eprints.keele.ac.uk/id/eprint/7599 |