title: Taking a disease management approach to migraine. Based on a presentation by William Parham III, MD.
abstract: Migraine, like many other common and costly chronic diseases, may be amenable to the disease management model of healthcare delivery. The disease management approach has improved clinical and economic outcomes in conditions such as asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and arthritis. The critical elements needed for a successful migraine disease management program are: 1) identification of highest-acuity patients, 2) extensive patient education, and 3) implementation of clear evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients. Transition from the current emergency-driven system of severe migraine treatment will require additional training and incentives for primary providers, specialists, and nurses. Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments may play a role in attaining the best outcomes in carefully selected patients.
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D014481:United States