Abstract
Objective We conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the availability and quality of physiotherapy (PT) for Parkinson's disease (PD). Background Despite evidence about the benefits of PT, there is no data regarding its use in Czechia. Methods Questionnaires were sent to 368 PD patients seen in a single movement disorders centre within two years (inclusion criteria: idiopathic PD, Hoehn and Yahr stage <5, and residence in Prague) and to 211 physical therapists (PTs) registered in Prague. The patient questionnaire evaluated limitations in 6 core areas and in activities of daily living and inquired about experience with PT. The PTs questionnaire evaluated knowledge about PD, number of PD patients treated yearly, and details of therapy. Results Questionnaires were returned by 248 patients and 157 PTs. PT was prescribed to 70/248 patients. The effects were satisfactory in 79% and lasted >3 months in 60/64. About half of the PTs have no experience with PD patients, 26% reported <3, and 5% see >10 yearly. The most widely used techniques were neurodevelopmental treatments. Conclusion Present PD healthcare model in Czechia is suboptimal (low PT prescription, non-evidence-based PT). Implementation of European PT Guidelines for PD and the introduction of an efficient model of care are needed.
Highlights
The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasing [1, 2], paralleled by growing healthcare expenses [3]
As the first step they recommend gaining insight into current healthcare, that is, patient utilization, and satisfaction with provided allied healthcare as well as allied healthcare provider’s expertise and volume of PD patients treated. This healthcare model is recommended by the European Physiotherapy Guideline for PD (EPGPD) [9], which is binding for Czechia, and the Czech Union of Physical therapist (UNIFY) took part in their development
28% of the patients had experience with physiotherapy prescribed because of PD (Figure 1(a)). These patients reported at least partial satisfaction with the quality of explanation of the possibilities of physiotherapy by the referring physician in nearly 96% and sufficient satisfaction with the explanation by a physical therapists (PTs) in nearly 60%
Summary
The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasing [1, 2], paralleled by growing healthcare expenses [3]. The Dutch model for Community Healthcare is available and has proven both being cost effective and providing greater patient satisfaction [16, 17] The authors of this model have developed stepwise recommendations for the application of such model in other countries [3]. As the first step they recommend gaining insight into current healthcare, that is, patient utilization, and satisfaction with provided allied healthcare as well as allied healthcare provider’s expertise and volume of PD patients treated This healthcare model is recommended by the European Physiotherapy Guideline for PD (EPGPD) [9], which is binding for Czechia, and the Czech Union of Physical therapist (UNIFY) took part in their development. We conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the quality and availability of physiotherapy for PD patients in Czechia based on previously published studies [18, 19]
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