Promoting patient-centred inpatient care for Parkinson’s Disease by upskilling knowledge and confidence of ward staff

Introduction: 1 in 37 adults in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The varied nature and specific symptom management of the condition requires a person-centred multi-disciplinary approach to care. 

Methods: On a care-of-the-elderly ward at Bristol Royal Infirmary, 3 cycles of a quality improvement project were conducted to upskill knowledge and confidence of the staff caring for PD patients. In cycle 1, baseline knowledge and confidence of staff were gathered using a data collection survey. 5 teaching sessions were organised addressing topics in PD such as medication, palliative care and communication. The survey was then repeated. In cycle 2, another 3 teaching sessions were run on swallowing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy in PD. An easy-to-read information board on PD was also created on the ward. After a month, the staff were re-surveyed. In cycle 3, information was gathered from PD patients and their carers on what topics they thought were important and a 3 further teaching sessions were run on physiotherapy, medication and an overview of PD. A final data collection survey was distributed after 6 months of the initial baseline survey being conducted 

Results: Within the knowledge questions there was a 5 out of 8 higher correct answer rate across most parameters except medications, after the teaching sessions. This was also mirrored in the confidence questions with higher confidence rankings in 4 out 5 parameters being questioned. 

Conclusion: To continue the teaching programme with a wider range of care providers and having repeat teaching sessions on topics highlighted by PD patients and their carers. There should be a focus on further medication teaching, which has also been widely requested by staff members. Additionally, this teaching could be recorded for staff who cannot attend in person.