Perceptions, understandings and experiences of cluster headache patients in the north of England: a qualitative study

Background: Very few qualitative studies on cluster headache have been conducted. As a result we have little in-depth understanding of the perceptions and experiences of cluster headache patients and the health professionals who treat them. With this research we aim to rectify that gap.

Aim: The main objective of the overall project is to gain insight into the perceptions, experiences and understandings of cluster headache from the perspective of three key stakeholder groups: the cluster headache patients, GPs and neurologists. Here, we present the findings of the interview study with cluster headache patients.

Method: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with cluster headache patients. A systematic qualitative methodology is applied to the transcribed interviews (n = 30). The data are analysed using grounded theory to provide a systematic approach to coding. The following stages of analysis are followed: 1) line-by-line coding; 2) focused coding; 3) axial coding and 4) theoretical coding.

Result: Our findings provide an explanatory framework for patients’ views, experiences and understandings of cluster headache. The main themes are: early detection and diagnosis of cluster headache; effective treatment of cluster headache and the management of cluster headache in primary and secondary care.

Conclusion: This research contributes to our understanding of the social context of cluster headache sufferers and it sheds new light on the public and professional responses to cluster headache.

Part og International Headache Society abstracts, 2015.