Table 2 The 30 agreed quality indicators for headache care
From: Quality in the provision of headache care. 2: defining quality and its indicators
Domain A: Accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal headache care | |
A1 | Patients are asked about onset of their headaches |
A2 | Diagnosis is according to current ICHD criteria |
A3 | A working diagnosis is made at the first visit |
A4 | A definitive diagnosis is made at first or subsequent visit |
A5 | Diagnosis is reviewed during later follow-up |
A6 | Diaries are used to support or confirm diagnosis |
Domain B: Individualized management is essential for optimal headache care | |
B1 | Waiting-list times for appointments are related to urgency of need |
B2 | Sufficient time is allocated to each visit for the purpose of good management |
B3 | Patients are asked about the temporal profile of their headaches |
B4 | Treatment plans follow evidence-based guidelines, reflecting diagnosis |
B5 | Treatment plans include psychological approaches to therapy when appropriate |
B6 | Treatment plans reflect disability assessment |
B7 | Patients are followed up to ascertain optimal outcome |
Domain C: Appropriate referral pathways are essential for optimal headache care | |
C1 | Referral pathway is available from primary to specialist care |
C2 | Urgent referral pathway is available when necessary |
Domain D: Education of patients about their headaches and their management is essential for optimal headache care | |
D1 | Patients are given the information they need to understand their headache and its management |
D2 | Patients are given appropriate reassurance |
Domain E: Convenience and comfort are part of optimal headache care | |
E1 | The service environment is clean and comfortable |
E2 | The service is welcoming |
E3 | Waiting times in the clinic are acceptable |
Domain F: Achieving patient satisfaction is part of optimal headache care | |
F1 | Patients are satisfied with their management |
Domain G: Optimal headache care is efficient and equitable | |
G1 | Procedures are followed to ensure resources are not wasted |
G2 | Patients are not over-investigated |
G3 | Costs of the service are measured as part of a cost-effectiveness policy |
G4 | There is equal access to headache services for all who need it |
Domain H: Outcome assessment is essential in optimal headache care | |
H1 | Outcome measures are based on self-reported symptom burden (headache frequency, duration and intensity) |
H2 | Outcome measures are based on self-reported disability burden |
H3 | Outcome measures are based on self-reported quality of life |
Domain I: Optimal headache care is safe | |
I1 | Patients are not over-treated |
I2 | Systems are in place to be aware of serious adverse events |