Neurology® Podcast Using Design Thinking to Understand the Reason for Headache Referrals
Jan 6, 2025
Dr. Ashish D. Patel, a senior resident at Geisinger Medical Center and lead author on headache referrals, joins the discussion about enhancing headache care. He explains how design thinking can revolutionize referral processes in neurology. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration among healthcare providers to break down barriers. Additionally, they delve into clinical decision support tools that improve diagnosis, showing how these tools can reduce unnecessary referrals and streamline patient management.
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Headaches Drive Neurology Referrals
- Headache is the leading reason for neurology referrals, but access issues limit timely care.
- Primary care providers struggle to address headaches fully, prompting frequent referrals and delays.
Design Thinking for Headache Care
- Use a design thinking approach with stakeholders to identify and solve clinical access barriers.
- Develop prototypes such as electronic tools to guide providers in real time and test their impact.
Use EMR Alerts for Guidance
- Implement best practice alerts in electronic medical records to prompt providers with key headache questions.
- Include treatment suggestions and imaging guidance to support evidence-based decisions efficiently.