This knowledge is thus conducive to patient trust as well as to cost savings. Patient education is the other factor. It is imperative that headache sufferers learn what they can do to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of their headaches. When patients understand ways to control their headaches, further reductions of headache-related costs result. The NHF exists precisely to fill the education gap that exists for both physicians and patients.
Funding comes from membership dues, donations and grants.
One of the most important initiatives NHF has undertaken is the development of the Standards of Care for Headache Diagnosis and Treatment. This document establishes a set of standards for the healthcare provider to ensure comprehensive and consistent delivery of medical care for headache sufferers. The Standards set forth criteria for diagnosis, treatment and hospitalization when medically indicated. What You Need to Know is also available. Another important resource NHF publishes is the Therapeutic Guide for the Treatment of Headache.