Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction of telemedicine-based Parkinson’s disease management in Nepal.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder requiring regular follow-up for optimal management. In resource-limited settings, barriers such as geographical distance, limited specialist availability, and financial constraints impede continuous care. Telemedicine has emerged as a promising solution, yet its feasibility and effectiveness in low-resource regions remain underexplored.

Method: A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2023 to December 2024, including 95 PD patients across three neurology centers in Nepal. Patients received regular teleconsultations via video calls every 8 weeks. Motor symptoms were assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), non-motor symptoms with the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS), and patient satisfaction with a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and descriptive statistics.

Results: Telemedicine visits resulted in significant improvement in follow-up adherence, with 88% of scheduled consultations completed. Mean UPDRS-III scores showed modest stabilization (baseline: 28.5 ± 6.7; 12 months: 27.8 ± 6.2, p=0.04), while NMSS scores improved slightly (baseline: 38.2 ± 12.4; 12 months: 35.6 ± 11.8, p=0.03). Patient satisfaction was high, with 92% reporting convenience and 85% expressing willingness to continue teleconsultations. Minor technical issues were reported in 18% of consultations.

Conclusion: Telemedicine is a feasible, effective, and well-received approach for PD management in resource-limited settings like Nepal. It improves access to care, ensures follow-up continuity, and maintains clinical stability, offering a practical model for similar regions.

References: 1. Chen YY, Guan BS, Li ZK, Yang QH, Xu TJ, Li HB, Wu QY. Application of telehealth intervention in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 2020 Jan;26(1-2):3-13.
2. Ansari MF, Menon D, Ittycheria MA, Govindaraj S, Shahed R, Boopalan D, Parthasarathy R, Rao GN, Arshad F, Alladi S, Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI) Consortium. Satisfaction With Teleneurology in Low Resource Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Patients and Healthcare Providers. The Neurohospitalist. 2025 Jul;15(3):246-56.
3. Chirra M, Marsili L, Wattley L, Sokol LL, Keeling E, Maule S, Sobrero G, Artusi CA, Romagnolo A, Zibetti M, Lopiano L. Telemedicine in neurological disorders: opportunities and challenges. Telemedicine and e-Health. 2019 Jul 1;25(7):541-50.

« Back to 2026 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/telemedicine-in-parkinsons-disease-management-lessons-from-resource-limited-settings-like-nepal/