Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) and an Innovative Approach

Appropriate delivery of quality healthcare requires constant monitoring of the patient during follow up, particularly in the presence of chronic diseases. This approach can be further improved if leading edge tools supporting diagnosis, as well as prediction, identification and monitoring of adverse events are available. COMOESTAS aims to develop an innovative Information Communications Technology (ICT) system that allows patients with a chronic condition to receive continuous and personalized treatment. The whole system is based on an advanced, "all in one" Alerting and Decision Support System that follows patients from the diagnosis and supports the physician in managing the therapy, controlling relevant events impacting on patient safety and activating specific procedures if selected thresholds are exceeded. In the frame of chronic neurological disorders, Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) is a common condition and a major cause of disability. MOH is curable, but its outcome is hampered by a high risk of relapse. It is, therefore, a perfect example of a disorder that can benefit from an ICT-assisted approach developing innovative systems and services for monitoring chronic conditions. COMOESTAS goals will be achieved by improving and integrating the traditional paper headache diaries and calendars into an innovative ICT tool taking into account the complex issues that accompany this peculiar form of headache, which will make the patient a key node in the entire process.