Abstract Background It is recommended that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are treated within specialised services. As part of a research project mapping and evaluating PD services nationally, the first audit of PD services in the Republic of Ireland was conducted. Methods A de novo audit tool was developed by an expert group, based on a rigorous review of existing international standards, guidelines and audit tools, with extensive stakeholder input (including people with PD). All 14 specialist PD services in the Republic of Ireland were eligible; up to 30 case-notes were randomly selected per service in 2022/2023, looking at the most recent 2 visits (new patient) or 3 visits (established patient). Results In total, 261 case-notes were included, from 11 specialist PD services, led by a geriatrician (n=5) or neurologist (n=6). Overall, 16.8% of patients were seen less often than annually. Motor and mobility assessments were well performed (>75%); but cognition (70%) and pain assessments (64%), saliva management (50%), and bone density determination (18%) were inadequate. Access to PD nurses (65%), physiotherapy (69%), speech and language therapy (53%), and occupational therapy (50%) was inadequate; PD nurses were mainly in Dublin. However, specialist nurse and MDT access was better than reported by people attending generic services for PD care (1). Providing written information following diagnosis (24%), and communication with the carer were infrequently documented (financial support discussion: 12%; availability of support locally: 26%). Gerontology-led services more often screened for malnutrition (99% v 78%) or orthostatic hypotension (94% v 52%). Conclusion PD care relating to assessment, multidisciplinary involvement, and information sharing was sub-optimal in some areas, with the caveat that documentation may not reflect actual practice. Reference 1. O’Shea E, et al. Experiences of Health Service Access and Use for People Living with Parkinson’s Disease in Ireland: A National Survey. Health & Social Care in the Community. 2023 Aug 9;2023.
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