Objective: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of virtual visits for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) compared to in-person visits.

Background: Considering the limited access to specialists for PD patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing need for virtual visits through secure telemedicine approaches. However, the consensus regarding the desirability of virtual visits in the management of PD lacks evidence in comparison to in-person visits.

Method: This is an international, longitudinal study in 2 centers. We recruited a cohort of PD patients who can access virtual visits using any preferred cross-platform centralized messaging and voice-over-internet provider software in the countries. Each participant was seen in-person at baseline, 6 months and 1 year, and virtually in 3 months and 9 months follow-ups. Demographic and clinical data were collected using the MDS-UPDRS, Hoehn and Yahr stage, Montreal cognitive assessment, PDQ-39, Charlson comorbidity index, Zarit caregiver burden index, Telemedicine usability scale and satisfaction, and the outcome in PD-cost questionnaires.

Results: This pilot, ongoing trial started in February 2021 and it is planned to finish in April 2022. Virtual visits were mostly completed by videoconferences. Up to date we have included 25 patients [13 males (52%), 12 females (48%)], mean age 64.04 + 9.66 years old, 14 patients from Spain 56%, 11 patients 44% from Nigeria. A total of 87 visits have been completed (48 in-person visits, 39 virtual visits), 30 visits are still pending (23 in-office visits, 5 virtual visits), and 2 patients have dropped out (8%). The different feasibility across the country, gender, and age group will be analyzed. We will investigate the clinical management complexity checked by comparison of the frequency of clinical issues between in-office and virtual visits. The patients’ and providers’ overall satisfaction and difficulties will be assessed in both virtual and in-person visits. Lastly, the cost-effectiveness will be compared between in-office and virtual visits from a patient’s perspective.

Conclusion: Our study will elucidate the feasibility and efficacy of virtual visits in two different world regions on the management of PD and contribute to improving the accessibility of PD patients to movement disorder neurologists.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/second-project-the-feasibility-and-efficacy-of-virtual-visits-compared-to-in-person-visits-for-management-of-parkinsons-disease-a-pilot-international-longitudinal-multicenter-trial-nct04695353/