Table 5 Final modules and course content for the CHESS intervention
Day | Modules | Content of sessions |
|---|---|---|
1. Living, understanding and dealing with chronic headaches | 1. Introduction to the course and each other | Session 1: Welcome and introductions Session 2: Course overview |
2. Understanding chronic headaches and acceptance | Session 3. Headache information and mechanisms Session 4. Acceptance of chronic headaches | |
Taster activity – Relaxation and breathing | ||
3. Mind, body and pain link | Session 5. Impact of thoughts, mood and emotions on headaches Session 6. Headache cycle and breaking the cycle | |
4. Dealing with unhelpful thought patterns | Session 7. Unhelpful thinking patterns: recognising and finding alternatives | |
5. Summary | Session 8: Summary and reminders from day 1 | |
2. Learning how to adapt and take control of your life with chronic headaches | 1. Reflections | Session 9. Reflections from Day 1 |
2. Back to basics | Session 10. Identifying barriers to change and exploring problem solving and goal setting Session 11. Lifestyle factors and impact on headaches | |
3. Making headaches more manageable | Session 12. Managing stress and anxiety Session 13. Managing sleep better Session 14. Mindfulness and relaxation for headaches | |
Taster activity – Mindfulness practice | ||
5. Treatment options | Session 15. Medication management | |
6. Communication – explaining your headaches to others | Session 16. Relationships and communication with family, carers and friends Session 17. Communicating better with Health Professionals | |
7. Future management | Session 18. Managing setbacks – what to do when things don’t go to plan | |
8. Summary | Session 19. Summary of course | |
3. One to one session with nurse | Session covers: • Classification assessment with headache diary • Discussion around medication • Lifestyle factors and personalised goal setting. | |