RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A qualitative study of migraine involving patient researchers
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 87
OP 93
VO 55
IS 511
A1 Judith Belam
A1 Gill Harris
A1 David Kernick
A1 Frances Kline
A1 Krissy Lindley
A1 Jayne McWatt
A1 Annie Mitchell
A1 Debbie Reinhold
YR 2005
UL http://bjgp.org/content/55/511/87.abstract
AB Background Migraine is poorly managed in primary care despite a high level of morbidity. The majority of sufferers use non-prescription medications and are reluctant to seek help but the reasons for this are not understood.Aim The aim of this study was to develop a research partnership between migraine sufferers and healthcare professionals to synthesise tacit and explicit knowledge in the area. Building upon this partnership, a further aim was to explore what it is to suffer with migraine from patients' perspectives in order to inform health service delivery.Design Qualitative interview study involving healthcare professionals and patient researchers.Setting A purposeful sample of eight migraine sufferers who had attended a local intermediate care headache clinic.Method A consensual qualitative approach.Results Migraine had a high and unrecognised impact on quality of life. ‘Handling the beast’ was a central metaphor that resonated with the experience of all sufferers who sought to control their problem in different ways. Three major themes were identified: making sense of their problem; actively doing something about it either through self-help or professional advice; being resigned to it.Conclusion Despite a significant impact on the quality of life of migraine sufferers and their families, their needs remain largely unmet. Useful insights can be obtained when patients and professionals work together in true partnership but the time and effort involved should not be underestimated. Further research is needed to identify why there are major deficiencies in delivering care in this common problem.