Category: Parkinson's Disease (Other)
Objective: To explore the influence of the Edmond J. Safra Nurse Educator Program on nursing education and its impact on preparing future nurses to care for individuals with PD.
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects over a million Americans and is projected to impact 1.2 million people in the United States by 2030. Despite nurses’ important roles in PD care, undergraduate curricula often lack comprehensive PD education. The Edmond J. Safra Nurse Educator Program (EJS NEP) addresses this gap by equipping nurse educators with specialized knowledge and resources to improve PD content in nursing curricula and the quality of care for those living with PD.
Method: The EJS NEP is a multi-day training program designed to equip nurse educators with specialized knowledge of PD. The curriculum includes foundational knowledge, symptom management, hospitalization considerations, nursing care and interventions, and patient-focused strategies. Participants also develop implementation projects that integrate PD education into nursing curricula and clinical and/or community settings, expanding knowledge among students and healthcare professionals. Graduates of the program, known as Nurse Scholars, serve as leaders in furthering PD education within their institutions.
Results: As of 2024, the program has trained 351 nurse educators from 168 nursing schools, reaching 26,000 students annually and over 350,000 students collectively. Alums have contributed to nursing education by integrating PD–specific coursework, simulation experiences, and clinical rotations into curricula, thereby strengthening workforce preparedness for PD care. They publish an average of 5 PD-focused nursing publications annually, have advocated for removing outdated treatments from textbooks, and have helped establish PD resource centers in multiple states, including Louisiana, Missouri, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Scholars also shared their projects and outcomes at regional, national, and international levels, directly increasing awareness and knowledge about PD care among nursing professionals.
Conclusion: The Edmond J. Safra Nurse Educator Program addresses gaps in Parkinson’s nursing education by empowering nurse educators to incorporate PD content into curricula. This approach promotes consistent instruction, enhances workforce readiness, and supports quality care for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
Representation of Nursing Schools
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To cite this abstract in AMA style:
A. Li Wong. The Impact of the Edmond J. Safra Nurse Educator Program at the Parkinson’s Foundation on Nursing Education and Parkinson’s Care [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2026; 41 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-impact-of-the-edmond-j-safra-nurse-educator-program-at-the-parkinsons-foundation-on-nursing-education-and-parkinsons-care/. Accessed October 1, 2026.« Back to 2026 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-impact-of-the-edmond-j-safra-nurse-educator-program-at-the-parkinsons-foundation-on-nursing-education-and-parkinsons-care/