Objective: To provide insight into the unique service and support offered by the multidisciplinary health team to address the challenges and dilemmas faced by people living with Parkinson’s and their families.

The patient and/or family members developing better understanding of Parkinson’s and its symptoms resulting in more of an active role in their care.

Better equipped to ask questions, set meaningful goals, and feel empowered in the patient-centred model of care.

Background: The issue associated with being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition such as Parkinson’s is that its management is often multifocal and no one can truly understand the particular symptoms experienced as well as the person living with it. The other difficulty is that peoples perspectives and needs will change along the continuum from the initial diagnosis to end of life care. Our organisation set out to support people living with Parkinson’s by providing the tools to become an “expert patient”.  We offer health information so people can call in to speak to a member of the multi-disciplinary health team which includes physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy and nurses that are knowledgeable in Parkinson’s / atypical Parkinson’s about their concerns. They can upskill their knowledge on topics of interest through resources available on our website, register to attend webinars or complete an education module on a specific topic. We also offer social support options such as Parkinson’s groups in their area or online that may be social or activity based.

Method: Services provided are grounded in a neuro-palliative rehabilitation approach, focusing on quality of life for the individual, their family, and carers.

Results: Figures of monthly total calls to our service and the average duration will be provided.

With the right information and knowledge, people living with Parkinson’s and their family members can be in the driver’s seat to manage the challenges of Parkinson’s and lead as comfortable and independent lives as possible. It is the task of health professionals and services to provide and coordinate resources for that support.

Conclusion: Successful management requires partnerships reflecting cohesive multidisciplinary input with the person living with Parkinson’s and those caring for them which may include family members, doctors or other health professional that may be involved.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/taking-the-drivers-seat-on-parkinsons-care/