Chronic Headache Education and Self-management Study (CHESS) is a multi-centre, randomised controlled trial evaluating an education and self-management support programme for people living with chronic headaches (headache ≥ 15 days/month for ≥ 3 months).  The programme is led by Professor Martin Underwood at the Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick.

We plan to recruit around 700 people aged ≥18 years living with chronic headaches from across the Midlands and North-east London

What will it involve for participants?

All participants will be asked to:

• Provide written consent and complete postal questionnaires at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months.

• Complete an electronic diary of headache frequency, duration and severity (smartphone app or paper version) weekly for 6 months and monthly until the end of the study at 12 months.

• Complete a telephone interview with a research nurse to classify their headache.

Participants will be randomised to either:

1. Usual GP care plus a group headache education and self-management support programme

   Participants will attend a two day education and self-management course held at a venue close to their practice; followed by a one-to-one consultation and up to eight weeks of telephone support with a nurse

2. Usual GP care plus relaxation CD

   Participants will receive standard treatment and sent a relaxation CD

What will it involve for GP Practices?

• Identification of potential participants from computer record search

• Checking of list before mail-out

• Mail-out of study invitation letters (via Docmail).

• Access to patient records for data collection of consultations, health service activity, and medication use related to headaches at 12 months.

 If your practice is interested in taking part in the study or you would like any further information regarding CHESS please contact your local research facilitator