2026 Volume 53 Issue 1 Pages 65-68
Chronic headache significantly impairs patients’ quality of life, often leaving them to suffer in silence. To address this, the involvement of specialized “Headache Nurses” in multidisciplinary care is crucial for improving treatment quality and patient satisfaction. However, training methods for such nurses remain inconsistent across facilities, necessitating the standardization of practice.
This report presents a standardized training program developed at our clinic, aimed at achieving “Kinten-ka” (standardization of high-quality care) . Our program is grounded in Patricia Benner’s nursing theory, emphasizing the integration of theoretical knowledge—based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) and clinical guidelines—with practical knowledge gained through active patient engagement. We define our proactive intervention approach as the “Okkake (Follow-up) Nurse,” which involves consistent support before and after consultations to address patient anxieties and improve treatment adherence.
We illustrate the impact of our approach through the case of a 29-year-old male patient who suffered from refractory daily headaches following COVID-19 vaccination. Initially, he harbored deep mistrust toward medical treatment and faced severe social adversity. However, through continuous “Okkake” nursing interventions—specifically, remaining a steadfast presence by his side throughout his journey—he achieved significant emotional and physical recovery. This “accompaniment-style nursing” (Banso-gata Kango) transformed his sense of despair into stability, ultimately leading to his return to work.
Our findings suggest that the essence of “Headache Nursing” lies in balancing medical theoretical knowledge with the practical wisdom of holistic empathy. By treating patients as our “textbooks” and fostering a culture of mutual learning through case studies and narrative sharing, we can bridge the gap in nursing expertise. This report demonstrates that standardization is not merely about sharing manuals but about cultivating a collective clinical intent to learn from every patient encounter. We hope this practical model inspires further standardization of headache care nationwide, ensuring that all patients can face their condition with hope and support.
