Some studies had
evaluated the use of existing disability and quality of life
instruments, but their findings had not been incorporated
into quality indicators. Existing headache care quality
indicators are incomplete and inadequate for purpose. They
emphasize processes of care rather than structure or outcomes,
and are not widely applicable to different levels and
locations of headache care. Furthermore, they do not fully
incorporate accepted evidence regarding optimal methods
of care. There is a clear need for consensus-based indicators
that fully reflect patients’ and public-health priorities.
Ideally, these will be valid across cultures and health-care
settings.