Impulsive and compulsive behaviour: awareness campaign update
11 November 2011
Following our last meeting on our awareness campaign to
highlight the issue of impulsive and
compulsive behaviour (ICB) in October 2011, we have identified
5 key areas of work to really take the campaign
forward.
They are:
- a national survey to find out awareness levels of ICB
amongst all professionals working with people with Parkinson's
- tailoring our support for people affected by ICB, via our
helpline 0808 800 0303 and other
channels, making sure there is comprehensive support in place for
those affected
- the development and distribution of a comprehensive ICB
toolkit, for health professionals, including monitoring tools and
an educational DVD
- meetings with key pharmaceutical companies involved in the
development and distribution of Parkinson's medication to ask them
to support the campaign and work with us to make people aware of
the risks
- working with pharmaceutical companies to make sure their
patient information resources are as up to date and relevant as
possible.
A focused team
The essence of the campaign is to establish best practice among all health professionals involved in the prescribing and management of Parkinson's medication.
Stephen Williams, National Education Consultant
We have also made 2 key appointments to work on the campaign, as
mentioned in our campaign action plan. Stephen Williams has joined
us as a consultant, working on the campaign.
Stephen has lived with Parkinson's for 10 years and has
considerable experience of taking dopamine
agonists, along with the best and worst the drugs can offer. He
comments:
"No person living with Parkinson's should have their lives
ruined by impulsive and compulsive side effects.
"Therefore the essence of the campaign is to establish best
practice among all health professionals involved in the prescribing
and management of Parkinson's medication.
"This best practice is not only focused on minimising any risk
of side effects. It is also focused on ensuring everyone who needs
to can benefit from the many positive aspects of taking these
medications."
We have also recruited a dedicated campaigns officer to work
alongside Stephen.
Our position on impulsive and compulsive behaviour
We are finalising a charity statement on impulsive and
compulsive behaviour. This confirms our commitment to campaigning
to make sure people affected by Parkinson's are made aware of the
potential side effects of Parkinson's medication.
The right monitoring and information can help prevent the terrible consequences that impulsive and compulsive behaviour can have for the lives of people affected.
Val Buxton, Director of External Relations
It also highlights the importance of educating healthcare
professionals to warn those taking this medication and spot the
early warning signs of this behaviour.
Val Buxton, our Director of External Relations, comments:
"The right monitoring and information can help prevent the
terrible consequences that impulsive and compulsive behaviour can
have for the lives of people affected.
"That's why the campaign is so important and continues to be a
key focus for Parkinson's UK into 2012.
"It's great to have some real expertise and leadership in place
to take the campaign on to its next phase."
- email
-
Share