MAHEC's Project ECHO® for Caring for the Headache Patient in Primary Care

Description

Project ECHO® is a lifelong learning and guided practice model that revolutionizes medical education to provide best-practice specialty care and reduce health disparities. ECHO is led by an expert team that uses multi-point videoconferencing to conduct virtual learning sessions comprised of a short didactic followed by case presentations provided by participants. The ECHO® model includes case discussions, presented by attendees. This is the participant's chance to discuss difficult patient cases with expert panelists and colleagues to gain feedback. When registering for this project ECHO®, please be prepared to share a case discussion during one of our sessions.

This educational program aims to equip primary care physicians (PCPs) and healthcare providers with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the assessment, management, and treatment of headache disorders. Recognizing the complexity and impact of headaches on patients' quality of life, the program integrates evidence-based practices, latest guidelines, and interactive learning methods to enhance participants' confidence and proficiency in headache care.

This video teleconferencing series, guided by experts, takes place over six bi-weekly modules (one-hour each) from 7:00 AM until 8:00 AM EST and will cover topics such as:

Session 1 - What makes the headache patient "difficult"?
Session 2 - A Pragmatic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment of Headache in Primary Care
Session 3 - Newer Medications
Session 4 - How to Address Behavioral Factors in Primary Care
Session 5 - Less Common Headache Disorders
Session 6 - Treating Migraine: Why Isn't My Patient Getting Better?

Key Components:

1. Understanding Headache Disorders:
- Overview of primary headache disorders (with focus on migraine and cluster headache) and select secondary headaches (specifically less-recognized disorders of high- and low-pressure syndromes).
- Pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations of different headache types.
- Differentiating between primary and secondary headaches through history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic criteria.

2. Diagnostic Approaches:
- Step-by-step approach to headache diagnosis, including red flag symptoms that warrant urgent evaluation.
- Case-based discussions on diagnosis and treatment of challenging headache disorders.

3. Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies:
- Pharmacological management of acute headaches: selection of appropriate abortive therapies based on headache type, patient preferences, and comorbidities.
- Preventive strategies: overview of medications, lifestyle modifications, and behavioral therapies proven effective in reducing headache frequency and severity.
- Role of non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and other behavioral therapies.

4. Patient-Centered Care:
- Effective communication strategies for discussing headache diagnosis, treatment options, and setting realistic treatment goals with patients.
- Addressing psychosocial factors impacting headache management: stress management techniques, sleep hygiene, and patient education.
- Shared decision-making principles to empower patients in managing their headaches and adhering to treatment plans.

5. Practical Skills and Case Studies:
- Training in headache assessment techniques, including simulated patient encounters.
- Analysis of real-world case studies illustrating diagnostic challenges, treatment decisions, and long-term management strategies.

6. Integration of Guidelines and Quality Improvement:
- Strategies for implementing guideline recommendations into clinical practice and monitoring outcomes.
- Quality improvement initiatives to enhance headache care delivery in primary care settings, including follow-up protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration.

By focusing on comprehensive education tailored to the needs of PCPs and healthcare providers, this program aims to bridge the knowledge gap in headache management, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients affected by headaches.

In Collaboration with:

Target Audience

Primary Care Physicians, Medical Residents, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Medical Faculty, Care Coordinators, Case Managers, Counselors, Peer Support Specialists, Social Workers, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses in NC and surrounding states

Objectives

• Identify barriers to care of headache patients in primary care
• Apply timely evidence-based headache treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes
• Demonstrate a paradigm for rapid diagnosis of primary headache disorders, and identification of less common and secondary headache
• Apply new acute and preventive migraine treatments

Faculty

• Delora A. Denney, MD
• Alan G. Finkel, MD
• Linda Gray Leithe, MD
• Kevin A. Kahn, MD
• Morris Maizels, MD
• Donald B. Penzien, PhD
• Sara E. Sacco, MD