App-based self-training, in addition to medical care, and statewide training for physiotherapists are intended to support people with migraines in Schleswig-Holstein in managing their condition. Experts from the Institute of Health Sciences/Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Lübeck, in cooperation with the Institute of General Medicine, the Kiel Pain Clinic, and the Techniker Krankenkasse (a German health insurance company), plan to pursue this new approach.

The joint project "App-based support for the care of migraine patients in Schleswig-Holstein" aims to further contribute to improved, cross-sectoral, and comprehensive medical care in Schleswig-Holstein. The three-year project is being funded with €369,315 from the Schleswig-Holstein state's healthcare security fund. The funding notification was presented today in Lübeck by Dr. Oliver Grundei, State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Health. The state established the healthcare security fund to ensure medical care across the state and to expand cross-sectoral care.

Diagnostics and treatment options should be improved in the long term

The aim of the joint project is to expand the already successful migraine app developed by the Kiel Pain Clinic with a module featuring targeted physiotherapy exercises. Statewide training courses for physiotherapists will also contribute to the early detection of neck pain and restricted movement associated with migraines, enabling preventative measures to be taken. These factors can interact with the frequency and intensity of migraines. Prof. Dr. Kerstin Lüdtke is particularly pleased about the inclusion of physiotherapy: "Migraine is hardly addressed in physiotherapy training and studies, and many misconceptions exist. With this project, we can contribute to ensuring that the care of migraine patients is evidence-based and interdisciplinary in our state."

This innovative project aims to improve long-term understanding of the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for migraines. Migraines and headaches are among the most widespread health problems: two out of three German adults suffer from headaches at least occasionally, and almost 18 million people in Germany are affected by migraines.

State Secretary Dr. Oliver Grundei confirms: “Those affected can already use migraine apps that potentially make it easier to adhere to a doctor-prescribed treatment plan and headache therapy. This app-based support for the care of migraine patients in Schleswig-Holstein will now be further expanded as part of this project of the same name, by adding specific physiotherapy exercises to the app. With this digital solution, which we are funding from the Healthcare Security Fund, the care of patients will also be improved in rural areas. I thank everyone involved for their commitment and wish them every success in implementing the project.”

The technical implementation and integration of the specialized neurological, pain therapy, and psychological content is being handled by the expert team at the Kiel Pain Clinic. They are also coordinating contact with migraine patients from this location. "This project will enable comprehensive, statewide care for migraine sufferers. Current international scientific findings will thus be made available regionally in Schleswig-Holstein, alleviating pain and reducing costs," explains Prof. Dr. Göbel, outlining the core idea of ​​the project.

Digital support and accompanying evaluation

“People suffering from migraines often endure them for many years before receiving adequate treatment. This is where the statewide training programs for physiotherapists come in, aiming to make migraines recognizable and treatable earlier,” explains Schmidt-Bodenstein, head of the TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) state office in Schleswig-Holstein. “The migraine app, in turn, provides sufferers with digital support for self-management and empowerment – ​​anytime, anywhere.” The accompanying evaluation is being conducted by the Institute of General Practice in Lübeck. One of the research focuses of Prof. Jost Steinhäuser, head of the institute, is to optimize digital applications for healthcare. For example, sufferers will be surveyed about their experiences with the app in order to directly capture and incorporate any desired adjustments. 

Contact persons for inquiries:
Prof. Dr. Kerstin Lüdtke
University of Lübeck
Program Director of the BSc Physiotherapy program
Ratzeburger Allee 160
23562 Lübeck
Email: Kerstin.luedtke@uni-luebeck.de
Tel: +49 451 31018547
 
Prof. Dr. med. Dipl. Psych. Hartmut Göbel
Director of the Kiel Pain Clinic
Heikendorfer Weg 9-27
24149 Kiel
Email: hg@schmerzklinik.de
Tel: +49 431 20099150

Links:
Ministry of Justice and Health Schleswig-Holstein,
University of Lübeck