Practice variation after implementation of a protocol for migraines in children

Eur J Emerg Med. 2010 Oct;17(5):290-2. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e3283321162.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes that occurred in the treatment of migraine over a 10-year period in a pediatric emergency department (ED) after the implementation of a protocol. The method employed was a comparative retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with migraine in an ED. The two study periods were 1996-1997, and 2006-2007. A protocol suggesting a specific approach was implemented in the ED in 1999. The primary outcome was the medications used in the ED. There were 182 visits for migraine in 2006-2007 compared with 144 visits in 1996-1997. More patients were treated in the ED in 2006-2007 compared with 1996-1997: 50 versus 30%, a difference of 20% (95% confidence interval: 9, 30). The treatments used were also different. In conclusion, a variation in the treatment of migraine was observed over a 10-year period in a pediatric ED after the implementation of a treatment protocol.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Clinical Protocols*
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Migraine Disorders / epidemiology
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data*
  • Quebec / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal