Objective: Our aim is to analyze challenges in patient-physician communication during limited time appointments in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: Due to limited number of movement disorders specialists in the region and underdevelopment of healthcare system in both public and private sectors, the waiting list for patients with PD and other parkinsonian disorders increases every year. Over the past few years, work has been underway in Kyrgyzstan to create a service for treatment of movement disorders, and therefore, it was necessary to study the problems experienced by patients while describing disease-related information and symptoms.

Method: In this study, we analyzed patients’ answers on current treatment, motor, non-motor symptoms before and during appointment. A questionnaire based on simple questions on treatment information and symptoms were sent to patients at least two days before their visit. The M-EDL part of UPDRS in Russian language was also performed on some of the patients prior to appointment. Short interviews on pre-appointment questionnaire were conducted with patients.

Results: This study covered 54 patients with Parkinson’s disease from the capital city, Bishkek, and rural regions. The mean age of patients was 65.6±7.887. Most of the patients were bilingual and fluent in Kyrgyz and Russian languages, patients who speak only Kyrgyz language needed assistance of caregivers to complete the questionnaire. Data is provided in [Table 1].

Completing the questionnaire, only 23.5% of the patients indicated information about current medications correctly, while 76.5% had inaccurately indicated the dosage, time, and frequency of medications. In the motor symptoms section of the questionnaire, 17% made mistakes in the question on speech problems. Data is revealed in [figure 1].The [Figure 2] illustrates mistakes in filling non-motor symptoms. ­­­­­­

During the interview, all patients noted that online questionnaires helped them prepare to consultations and save time during visits to movement disorder specialists. Full data is indicated in [Table 2].

Conclusion: Preparation to consultations with questionnaires may help patients save time and be aware of their symptoms. It is recommended to increase patient education sessions in “Schools of Parkinson”. In addition, there is an urgent need for further improvement of questionnaire and officially translated MDS questionnaires into Kyrgyz language.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/challenges-in-patient-physician-communication-during-limited-time-appointments-in-parkinsons-disease/