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Communicating the Right Therapy for the Right Patient at the Right Time: Acute Therapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2014

Fred D. Sheftell*
Affiliation:
New England Centre for Headache, Stamford, CT06902 USA
*
FD Sheftell, 778 Long Ridge Road, Stamford, CT06902 USA
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Abstract

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Objective:

Review of problems arising from communication difficulties in headache practice.

Methods:

Literature review and assessment of practice experience.

Background:

Advances in understanding of the pathophysiology of migraine and the availability of specific acute therapies have given migraine sufferers access to effective treatment and physicians a wide array of therapeutic alternatives. There remains uncertainty about the best drug group for any given patient and about which triptan to use when and in which formulation; about patient preference and satisfaction; about interpretations of pivotal trials and meta-analyses; and about the relevance of large group efficacy and safety data to the individual patient. The clinician may be daunted by the array of triptans with choices of dosage and multiple formulations and will likely learn how to use two or three of them at most, as in depression and hypertension. In the context of the wide array of choices and the complexities of assessing responses and patient preferences, this paper attempts to provide a framework for incorporating the evidence with clinical experience and for communicating these concepts effectively.

Benefits, Harms and Costs:

None.

Results and Conclusion:

Even when an appropriate recommendation is determined, therapy may fail unless the doctor patient relationship permits open communication, time for questions and answers and time for instruction on how to use a given medication, and its probable effects. Translating evidence into patient-friendly language is a skill as necessary as that of making the clinical decision itself. Tools are available that can support this effort and aid in creating an environment of “partnership”.

Résumé:

RÉSUMÉ:Objectif:

Revoir les problèmes résultant de difficultés de communication dans la pratique auprès de patients souffrant de céphalée.

Méthodes:

Revue de la littérature et évaluation de l'expérience en pratique. Contexte: Les progrès dans la compréhension de la physiopathologie de la migraine et la disponibilité de traitements aigus spécifiques ont fourni aux migraineux un accès à un traitement efficace et aux médecins un vaste choix de thérapies. L'incertitude persiste quant au meilleur groupe de médicaments à prescrire pour un patient donné et quel triptan utiliser, quand et sous quelle forme; à la préférence et la satisfaction des patients; à l'interprétation d'essais cliniques clés et de méta-analyses; et à la pertinence pour un patient des données d'efficacité et de sécurité provenant de groupes importants de patients. La panoplie de triptans à multiples dosages et formulations peut rebuter le clinicien. Il apprendra probablement à se servir de deux ou trois médicaments tout au plus, comme c'est le cas dans la dépression et l'hypertension. Dans le contexte d'un vaste choix et de la complexité de l'évaluation de la réponse et des préférences du patient, cet article tente de fournir un modèle pour l'intégration des données et de l'expérience clinique, et pour la communication efficace de ces concepts.

Bénéfices, risques et coûts: Aucun. Résultats et Conclusion:

Même quand une recommandation appropriée est faite, le traitement peut échouer si la relation médecin-patient ne permet pas la communication ouverte et n'inclut pas un temps pour les questions et les réponses, pour enseigner la façon d'utiliser un médicament et aviser le patient des effets secondaires probables. Vulgariser l'information dans un langage accessible au patient est une habileté aussi nécessaire que celle de prendre la décision clinique ellemême. Des outils sont disponibles pour supporter cette initiative et aider à créer un environnement de partenariat.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2002

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