App-based self-training in addition to medical care and nationwide training for physiotherapists are intended to support people suffering from migraines in Schleswig-Holstein in dealing with the disease in the future. Experts from the Institute of Health Sciences/Physiotherapy Department at the University of Lübeck want to take this new path in cooperation with the Institute of General Medicine as well as the Kiel Pain Clinic and the Techniker Krankenkasse.

The joint project “App-based support for the care of migraine patients in SH” is intended to make a further contribution to improved cross-sector and comprehensive medical care in Schleswig-Holstein. The project, which will run for three years, is being funded with 369,315 euros from the Schleswig-Holstein pension security fund. The funding decision was handed over today in Lübeck by Dr. Oliver Grundei, State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Health. The state has set up the supply security fund in order to secure medical care in the area and to expand cross-sector care.

Diagnostics and treatment options should be improved in the long term

The aim of the joint project is to expand the Kiel Pain Clinic's already successful migraine app to include a module with targeted physiotherapeutic exercises. Nationwide training for physiotherapists is also intended to help identify neck pain and restricted mobility in migraines early and take preventive action. These can interact with the frequency and intensity of migraines. Prof. Dr. Kerstin Lüdtke is particularly pleased about the inclusion of the field of physiotherapy: “Migraines are hardly taken into account in physiotherapy training and studies; there are many misunderstandings. With this project, we can make an exemplary contribution in our state to ensuring that the care of migraine sufferers is evidence-based and interdisciplinary.”

The innovative project aims to improve the knowledge about the development and diagnosis of migraines as well as the treatment options in the long term. Migraines and headaches are one of the most widespread widespread diseases: two out of three adult Germans suffer from headaches at least temporarily, and almost 18 million suffer from migraines throughout Germany.

State Secretary Dr. Oliver Grundei confirms: “Those affected can already use migraine apps that potentially make it easier to adhere to a medically prepared treatment plan and headache therapy. This app-based support for the care of migraine patients in Schleswig-Holstein is now being further expanded as part of this project of the same name by expanding the app to include specific physiotherapy exercises. With this digital solution, which we are supporting from the supply security fund, the care of sick people will also be improved in rural areas. I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and wish them every success in implementing the project.”

The technical implementation and integration of the special neurological, pain therapeutic and psychological content is carried out by the team of experts from the Kiel Pain Clinic. Contact with migraine patients is also coordinated from here. “The implementation will enable comprehensive, nationwide care for those affected with migraines. Current international scientific findings are made available locally in Schleswig-Holstein, pain is alleviated and costs are reduced,” explains Prof. Dr. Göbel the core idea of ​​the project.

Digital support and accompanying evaluation

“Migraine sufferers often suffer for many years until they receive adequate treatment. This is where the nationwide training of physiotherapists is aimed at making migraines detectable and treatable earlier,” explains Schmidt-Bodenstein, head of the TK state representation in Schleswig-Holstein. “The migraine app, in turn, provides those affected with digital support for self-management and empowerment – ​​at any time and from any place.” The accompanying evaluation is carried out by the Institute for General Medicine in Lübeck. One research focus of Prof. Jost Steinhäuser, head of the institute, is optimizing digital applications for healthcare. For example, those affected should be asked about their experiences with the app in order to be able to record and enter any adjustment requests directly.  

Contact person for questions:
Prof. Dr.
Kerstin Lüdtke University of Lübeck
Head of the BSc Physiotherapy course
Ratzeburger Allee 160
23562 Lübeck
Email: Kerstin.luedtke@uni-luebeck.de
Tel: 0451 31018547
 
Prof. Dr. med. Dipl. Psych. Hartmut Göbel
Director of the Kiel Pain Clinic
Heikendorfer Weg 9-27
24149 Kiel
E-Mail: hg@würklinik.de
Tel: 0431 20099150

Left:
Ministry of Justice and Health Schleswig-Holstein
University of Lübeck