New study launched to evaluate Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist role
A new research study, led by Professor Annette Hand and colleagues at Northumbria University, Newcastle, with Parkinson's UK funding, will evaluate the role and provide an evidence base for commissioning.
Parkinson's Nurse Specialists have been in post for 30 years, however, there is limited academic evidence to show their effectiveness.
NICE Guidelines recommend that people with Parkinson’s should have regular access to: clinical monitoring and medication adjustment; a continuing point of contact for support, including home visits when appropriate; and reliable information about clinical and social matters of concern.
Often, these resources are provided by a Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist but more information is needed to provide an evidence base for the role.
Understanding the scope
The Understanding the Scope of Parkinson's Nurse Specialists (USP) study will investigate the scope and impact of the role. It will:
- Describe different ways in which Parkinson’s nurses work
- Understand the impact that Parkinson’s nurses have on people with Parkinson’s and their families
- Provide an economic evaluation of the role of the Parkinson’s nurse
The study results will have significant relevance to the NHS, Parkinson’s UK, people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, and will have the potential to inform future practice and processes.
Survey for Parkinson’s Nurses now open
The study leads are now recruiting specialist nurses working in what is, or what was, traditionally a Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist role, to gather their knowledge on appropriate care and support for people with Parkinson’s.
Participants are asked to complete a survey designed and developed by the research team, the Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Association (PDNSA) and the UK Parkinson’s Excellence Network.
From January to September 2020, further interviews will be carried out with 15 specialist nurses to explore some of the questions further.
Hearing from people with Parkinson’s
The insights of people with Parkinson’s and their family and friends are essential for building an accurate picture of the impact of Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists.
To gather these insights, the research team will also be surveying people affected by Parkinson’s in late 2019. The survey will be shared through Parkinson’s UK communities when launched.