A pioneering Parkinson’s programme where people with the condition are supported in managing and monitoring their symptoms at home may be introduced throughout the UK.
Researchers found that people’s symptoms were stable, they felt more listened to by – and able to seek help from – health professionals and reported a far greater sense of autonomy and empowerment than they had under previous treatment plans after six months on the new Home Based Care programme created by researchers from the University of Plymouth and the Department of Neurology at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust in southwest England.
The quality of care provided to patients was also found to have met 93 per cent of the national audit standards developed by Parkinson’s UK, which supported the programme’s creation along with The Health Foundation.
Based on the findings, which have been published in a study entitled Real-World Evaluation of the Feasibility, Acceptability and Safety of a Remote, Self-Management Parkinson’s Disease Care Pathway: A Healthcare Improvement Initiative by Kehagia, Carroll et al in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, the team behind the programme say they are exploring ways in which the NHS can roll it out nationally, thanks to funding from NHS England’s Digital Health Partnership Award.
Launched in 2019, the Home Based Care pathway combines at-home monitoring using wrist-worn sensors with support and information on how to recognise and manage different Parkinson’s symptoms, as well as allowing people to reach out to healthcare practitioners for support when they need it. It was guided throughout by discussions with people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers, to ensure it meets their needs and priorities.
The current study is based on health checks and feedback received from 100 patients being treated by the Parkinson’s service within the Department of Neurology at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
Professor Camille Carroll, Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Plymouth and Newcastle University, Honorary Consultant Neurologist at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Joint Clinical Director of the Parkinson’s Excellence Network, is the project lead and senior author on the new study.
She said:
“There is currently a significant unmet need for effective and efficiently delivered care for people living with Parkinson’s. Through this new care pathway, we have shown the benefits of empowering people with knowledge and understanding of their condition. These benefits are felt not only by the people with Parkinson’s and their partners, but also the healthcare teams and organisations providing their care. With support from NHSE Transformation, we are now creating a digital version of this care pathway, which we hope will eventually enable it to be made available through Parkinson’s services across the UK.”
Parkinson’s Europe is sharing this article for information purposes only; it does not represent Parkinson’s Europe’s views and is not an endorsement by Parkinson’s Europe of any particular treatments, therapies or products.
