UnknownNot Applicable

Direct Access to MRI and Neurology Referrals for the Management of Patients With Chronic Headache.

United Kingdom296 participantsStarted 2016-04

Plain-language summary

This study aims to evaluate whether direct access from General Practitioners (GPs) to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for patients with chronic headache decreases overall NHS costs and increases patient satisfaction compared to clinical practice with referral to Neurology Services.

Who can participate

Age range

16 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Every patient aged 16 years or over with: i) chronic headache as a primary cause that has lasted ≥ 15 days per month for more than 3 months; and ii) referred from GP practices to GSTT, either directly referred to an MRI exam or a Neurology outpatient appointment. Exclusion Criteria: * Children under the age of 16; * Patients with red flags as defined in NICE guideline CG150; * Patients without chronic primary headache, i.e. a headache that has not persisted for ≥ 15 days per month for more than 3 months * Patients with headache referred through the two week wait list; * Patients who lack capacity to give consent or participate in the study; * Patients not fluent in English; * Prisoners; * Patients that are already taking part in a clinical trial of an investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs).

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

6-month cost analysis per patient referred to either MRI or Neurology (measured in £ per patient)

Timeframe: 6 months after the initial episode at Secondary Care (either an MRI scan or Neurology Outpatient appointment)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02753933

SponsorGuy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2018-06

Contact for this trial

Yvonne Akande, Master

yvonne.akande@kcl.ac.uk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Headache trials

Who can participate

Age range

16 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.