Pediatric Headache Management and Use of the PedMIDAS.

BACKGROUND: Headache is a worldwide problem affecting people of all ages, races, and incomes. Childhood headache is a common condition affecting quality of life and prompting frequent medical visits. The Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment tool (PedMIDAS) is a validated questionnaire recognized in the assessment of pediatric headache. Use of the PedMIDAS is supported in the 2014 American Academy of Neurology headache quality measurement set, which provides practice parameters for headache management. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to introduce the PedMIDAS into the assessment of pediatric headache patients in a pediatric neurology practice in an attempt to standardize care and discern provider satisfaction. METHODS: Chart review (11-21-16 to 11-30-17) following provider/staff education regarding the PedMIDAS. RESULTS: The PedMIDAS was completed 23% of the time (404/1741). CONCLUSIONS: Although the PedMIDAS was only completed 23% of the time, providers surveyed regarding usefulness indicated the PedMIDAS is helpful with quantifying the disability experienced by pediatric headache patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Assessing disability through the use of the PedMIDAS is a beneficial practice change helping with evaluating headache interventions, differentiating headache frequency from disability, and clarifying the severity of pain related to headache that affects daily life.