Objective: To demonstrate the effects of an interdisciplinary team approach in the evaluation and treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, during inpatient rehabilitation.

Background:  PD patients are more likely to be hospitalized than their non-PD peers, and are 2-3x more likely to have a complication. It is estimated that 3 of 4 PD patients will have medication administration errors while hospitalized, and 66% will have complications, of which 44% never fully recover.

Methods: Upon admission, the correct dosage and timing of PD medication is confirmed with the patient’s neurologist. PD medications are given within a 10 minute window of the prescribed time. Compliance is monitored throughout the patient’s stay.  PD specific evaluations are performed by PT, OT, and if indicated, by SLP. Each patient receives an Individualized Plan of Care (IPOC) with specific goals to address the unique deficits of each patient. The Timed Up and Go, and the Berg Balance Scale are administered at admission and just prior to discharge. PD specific education for both the patient and primary caregiver(s) is performed to educate about the disease and the role of rehab in recovery/maintenance.

Results: Since our program was initiated, Functional Independence Measure data from our facility demonstrates a 34% improvement in discharge to community, a 22% improvement in overall FIM change, a 6% improvement in Motor FIM change, and a 4% improvement in overall DC FIM. Berg Balance scale has had an average improvement of 76%, and Timed Up and Go improved 38%. Currently medication compliance is at 90% of scheduled doses. 

Conclusions: Applying a PD-specific interdisciplinary team approach, along with consistent medication management for PD patients during inpatient rehabilitation stays, leads to significant improvements in balance, stability, and functional ability.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/effects-of-a-parkinson-specific-interdisciplinary-approach-to-inpatient-rehabilitation/