ArticleBMC nursing2026
Patients' experiences with a nurse-led transmural headache care pathway: a qualitative study.
Article in BMC nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundHeadaches cause high disease burden, and are often under-treated. Adequate treatment requires time and expertise, which can be limited in general practices. With the aim to improve the quality and accessibility of care, an unique nurse-led, digital transmural care pathway has been developed in which treatment is provided by nurse practitioners specialized in headache care. It is essential to understand patients' perspectives on the novice care pathway to uncover opportunities for enhancement.
objectiveTo explore patients' experiences with the nurse-led transmural headache care pathway, including experienced headache burden, improved headache control, and experiences with communication, person-centeredness, and accessibility within the care pathway.
methodThis descriptive qualitative study consisted of fourteen semi-structured interviews with patients included in the care pathway. The population consisted of patients with tension-type headache, migraine, and medication overuse headache. Data were analysed using thematic analysis by Braun and Clark.
resultsFive main themes emerged: (1) expectations related to the care pathway, where patients expressed a desire for reduced headache burden, support in understanding and managing their condition; (2) effectiveness of treatment on everyday functioning, with many participants experiencing fewer headaches and improved daily functioning; (3) digital communication contributing to more accessible care, where participants recognized digital care as accessible and time-saving. However in-person visits were preferred for initial contact, because digital care can feel more impersonal; (4) more insight into headaches due to the use of the digital diary app, where participants talked about gaining more insight into their headaches and mentioned opportunities to improve the app's usability; and (5) patient-centered care provided by the nurse practitioner, because of their expertise, listening abilities, and personalized approach to treatment.
conclusionThis care pathway was valued for its accessible, person-centered care and the nurse practitioner's expertise and personalized approach. However, improvements in digital headache app and holistic assessment (e.g., help identify triggers) could further increase its contribution to patient care. After treatment within the care pathway, many participants experienced reduced headache symptoms. Therefore, the care pathway has potential for wider implementation, enabling nurse practitioners to extend this care pathway to other headache patient groups.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What Socratic holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.