Objective: The development of a dynamic, multimodal social work program model for individuals, caregivers and families living with Parkinson’s disease

Background: Patients living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) face a constantly evolving spectrum of psychosocial impacts throughout the disease process. There is a need for resources in the clinic, community and home that support emotional health and ongoing psychosocial adaptation for patients, caregivers and families to improve quality of life and outcomes. PD expert social workers are in a unique position to address ongoing psychosocial need with a multi-modal intervention model.

Methods: The program was launched in a PD expert clinic with traditional social work service provision including assessment, counseling, education and resource referral for patients, caregivers and families. The program was expanded to include community partnershipd to provide a comprehensive Parkinson’s wellness program with group based exercise, support and education opportunities. The program then developed a one-year internship training for master of social work level students. The latest phase of expansion includes coordination of an interdisciplinary home visit program for advanced Parkinson’s. Specialized therapeutic support groups for patients and for caregivers are provided. Within this program paradigm, social workers are valued members of the expert, interdisciplinary team and act as a communication hub for multimodal continuity of care.

Results: The multimodal social work program model has expanded from the clinical setting to encompass community partnerships, educational training and service provision in the homes of vulnerable patients. The program has been in high demand since its inception and has proven popular with patients, families and providers. Plans for evaluation include continued needs assessment, as well as impact on quality of life and ongoing adaptation to the disease process.

Conclusions: The multimodal social work care model offers potential benefit in multiple domains of individual and systemic psychosocial need that affect quality of life and outcomes. Further study and expansion of the program is being considered. This poster will demonstrate in graphics and narrative the development of the social work multimodal program model. Presented at 4th World Parkinson Congress, September 20-23, 2016.

« Back to 2017 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/redefining-social-work-for-parkinsons-the-development-of-a-model-of-care-for-specialized-support-in-the-clinic-community-and-home/