There were two objectives to the research conducted by Kleiboer and colleagues: (1) to establish the utility of online digital assistance (ODA), a generic software-based method designed to support behavioral training (BT) in migraine; and (2) to test whether ODA can produce additional effects in BT. Utility (feasibility and acceptability) was based on 44 patients with migraine who received ODA as an adjuvant to BT delivered to small groups by lay trainers with migraine at home. ODA tracking files were used to determine ODA feasibility. Acceptability was assessed by a structured interview. To examine ODA effects, 31 patients with migraine who received ODA during BT and at 6 months' follow-up were compared with a matched group of 31 participants who received BT only. Feasibility was established based on minimal technical problems, good compliance, and successful execution of ODA. Acceptability was confirmed by positive participant responses concerning usefulness, supportiveness, and low burden. ODA participants did not mark better improvements with respect to migraine attack frequency, internal control, and migraine-specific quality of life compared to those that underwent BT only. ODA, however, was feasible, well accepted, and perceived to support self-care in 44 patients with migraine.

WHAT THE STUDY COULD MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL: The authors concluded that while the method they used was designed for migraine patients, but it could be easily adapted for other health settings and chronic conditions.

WHAT THE STUDY COULD MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: This is but one of a large number of studies exploring online and other electronic technology to deliver behavioral and self-management programs to patients. If you have a chronic condition, you are apt to become involved in such a program. The new technology represents the wave of the future.

A Kleiboer et al. Utility and Preliminary Effects of Online Digital Assistance (ODA) for Behavioral Attack Prevention in Migraine. Telemedicine Journal & E Health, August 20, 2009.