Abstract

Objective

To assess the quality of the therapeutic approach in Specialized Headache Units in Spain.

Methods

An observational (prospective) study was conducted. Anonymized data of 313 consecutive patients during a defined period of time were analyzed and a comparison of performance in 13 consensual quality indicators between Specialized Headache Units and neurology consultations was calculated. Specialized Units and neurology consultations represented the type of provision that Spaniards receive in hospitals.

Results

The consensus benchmark standard was reached for 8/13 (61%) indicators. Specialized Headache Units performed better in the indicators, specifically in relation to accessibility, equity, safety, and patient satisfaction. Patients attended in Specialized Headache Units had more complex conditions.

Conclusion

Although there is variability among Specialized Headache Units, the overall quality was generally better than in traditional neurology consultations in Spain.

Details

Title
Quality assurance in specialized headache units in Spain: an observational prospective study
Author
Pozo-Rosich, Patricia 1 ; Martínez-García Alba 2 ; Pascual, Julio 3 ; Ignacio, Emilio 4 ; Guerrero-Peral, Ángel L 5 ; Balseiro-Gómez José 6 ; Porta-Etessam Jesús 7 ; Latorre-González Germán 8 ; Layos-Romero Almudena 9 ; Lucas, César 10 ; Mira, José J 11 

 Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Barcelona, Spain (GRID:grid.411083.f) (ISNI:0000 0001 0675 8654); Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Headache Research Group, Barcelona, Spain (GRID:grid.7080.f) 
 Miguel Hernández University, Calitè Research Group, Elche, Spain (GRID:grid.26811.3c) (ISNI:0000 0001 0586 4893) 
 Marqués de Valdecilla Hospital, Santander, Spain (GRID:grid.26811.3c); Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain (GRID:grid.484299.a) 
 Cádiz University, Cádiz, Spain (GRID:grid.7759.c) (ISNI:0000000103580096) 
 University Hospital of Valladolid, Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Valladolid, Spain (GRID:grid.411057.6) (ISNI:0000 0000 9274 367X); Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain (GRID:grid.452531.4) 
 University Hospital of Getafe, Neurology Department, Getafe, Spain (GRID:grid.411244.6) (ISNI:0000 0000 9691 6072) 
 San Carlos Hospital, Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Madrid, Spain (GRID:grid.411244.6) 
 University Hospital of Fuenlabrada, Neurology Department, Madrid, Spain (GRID:grid.411171.3) (ISNI:0000 0004 0425 3881) 
 University Hospital of Albacete, Neurology Department, Albacete, Spain (GRID:grid.411171.3) 
10  Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Neurology Department, Murcia, Spain (GRID:grid.411372.2) (ISNI:0000 0001 0534 3000) 
11  Alicante-Sant Joan Health District, Alicante, Spain (GRID:grid.411372.2); Health Services Research in Chronic Illnesses Network, REDISSEC, Alicante, Spain (GRID:grid.411372.2) 
Publication year
2019
Publication date
Dec 2019
Publisher
Springer Nature B.V.
ISSN
11292369
e-ISSN
11292377
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2246650119
Copyright
The Journal of Headache and Pain is a copyright of Springer, (2019). All Rights Reserved. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.