Headache teleconsultation in the era of COVID-19: Patients' evaluation and future directions

Background and purpose Literature regarding headache teleconsultation and patient satisfaction is scarce. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to the restructuring of traditional clinical activity by adopting telemedicine. Our objectives were to evaluate patients' satisfaction with headache teleconsultation by telephone during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and assess patients' preferred model of appointment (face-to-face, teleconsultation by telephone, or both). Methods Patients with a previous diagnosis of primary headache or neuropathies and facial pain disorders, and at least one telephone headache visit during the first wave of COVID-19, filled out an online questionnaire regarding sociodemographic parameters, satisfaction with teleconsultation, and preferred model of appointment. Results We included 83 patients (valid response rate of 64.3%); most had migraine (83.1%). Regarding teleconsultation, 81.9% considered this model adequate for follow-up, 88.0% were satisfied with the information provided about the disease/treatment, and 73.5% were satisfied with the medication modification. Ninety percent would agree with a new tele-evaluation if stable after the pandemic. The mixed model was the preferred medical consultation type for the postpandemic period (43.4%), followed by face-to-face visits (33.7%). Conclusions Patients were satisfied with the headache teleconsultation during the COVID-19 era. However, an exclusive model of telemedicine does not seem suitable for monitoring all patients. A mixed approach could be integrated into clinical practice after the pandemic to optimize health care.

Automated summary

Literature on headache teleconsultation and patient satisfaction is limited. A study during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic found that most headache patients were satisfied with teleconsultation, but an exclusive telemedicine model may not be suitable for monitoring all patients. A mixed approach post-pandemic could optimize healthcare delivery.