The crucial role of Parkinson’s nurses: a review from 2007–2024
KnowledgeA newly published article, Parkinson's Nurses Are Crucial for the Management of Parkinson's Disease: 2007-2024, highlights the vital role that Parkinson's nurse specialists (PNS) play in the care of people with Parkinson’s (PwP). Written by independent healthcare consultant Sue Thomas, Parkinson's specialist nurse Emma Edwards and consultant neurologist Dr Chris Kobylecki, the review provides an in-depth analysis of the PNS role, demonstrating its necessity within multidisciplinary teams and its positive impact on patient outcomes.
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally, with its prevalence doubling over the past 25 years, and the need for specialised care has never been greater. The PNS role has been developed over the past three decades, and it is now seen as crucial in supporting PwP through all stages of the disease. However, the role is not yet widespread in middle- and low-income countries, which struggle with a lack of resources, training and policy support to establish PNS services.
"This article is a must read for Parkinson’s nurses (PNS) and services looking to set up a Parkinson’s nurse service.
The authors reviewed all available literature on the role of the PNS , this showed how well developed the role is in the UK and western healthcare but not so much in the middle and low income countries. Current evidence shows that the provision of care delivered by the PNS model is essential to the functioning of the interdisciplinary team and therefore clinical care however there is little evidence of economic value which may be the reason for no such roles in the middle and low income countries.
The authors call for more such studies to be carried out to support the further expansion of the Parkinson’s nurse model."
Daiga Heisters
Head of Parkinson's Academy, Neurology Academy
More research into the PNS role, particularly in demonstrating its cost-effectiveness and value in global healthcare settings, is essential. PNS can help reduce hospital admissions, improve patient safety and empower PwP through education and self-management.
With the NHS increasingly focused on prevention, care closer to home, and reducing unnecessary hospital visits, specialist nurses like PNS are well-positioned to optimise patient care. They promote health through interventions like improving bone health to reduce frailty and falls, managing bladder issues to prevent infections and encouraging physical movement to maintain independence. Supported self-management, combining education, encouragement and accountability, has been shown to improve overall health and increase patient independence.
This review adds to the growing call for better support and expansion of specialist nurses worldwide, emphasising the need to further develop this essential role in neurology services.
For a full dive into the findings, including a call for further research to substantiate the PNS model and its expansion globally, the paper is available to read in full here.
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Parkinson's Academy, our original and longest running Academy, houses 22 years of inspirational projects, resources, and evidence for improving outcomes for people with Parkinson's. Led by co-founder and educational director Dr Peter Fletcher, the Academy has a truly collegiate feel and prides itself on delivering 'the things you can't get from books' - a practical learning model which inspires all Neurology Academy courses.