SERVICE EVALUATION Knowledge of red flags, signs and symptoms for
cervicogenic headaches: An evaluation of treatments and patient outcomes
post a training intervention in a musculoskeletal primary care setting.
Abstract
Abstract Rationale aims and objectives Physiotherapy is recommended for
cervicogenic headache (CGH) with 4% of headache patients currently
referred to secondary care. The aim of this service evaluation was to
explore knowledge of CGH signs and symptoms (SS) and headache red flags
(HRF) among musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists during a headache
training session. This session was identified as a training need by the
learning and development team following a previous headache training
session. Post training, treatment choices and patient outcomes for 10
patients were explored as recommended by an Audit Committee. METHOD Nine
physiotherapists undertook a 3-hour training session on headaches,
completing an HRF/SS questionnaire focused on CGH, before and after
training. Post training, 10 CGH patient were assessed and treated by
participants. Treatment choices were compared with current best practice
and patient outcomes were collected, using the Neck Pain Bournemouth
questionnaire (NP BQ). Treatment data was gathered via an electronic
patient record system between June 2016 and August 2017. Results Prior
to training, participants achieved a correct answer frequency of 58%
and 64% for HRF and SS respectively. Post training, this increased to
87% and 91% respectively. Post treatment, 70% of patients had an
improvement of over 80% and 30% had an improvement of between 30% and
43%. In terms of modalities used, 40% of participants received
acupuncture and 12% had manual therapy. Advice was given to 5.8% and
4.6% used exercises. Soft tissue massage and balance were used in 2.3%
an 1.2% respectively. Conclusion Clear training needs were identified
initially, and knowledge improved after training, together with
evidence-based choices for treatments. All patient symptoms improved
during care.