Objective: To improve patients’ compliance with Parkinsonism’s pharmacotherapy to achieve more accurate clinical assessment in an outpatient setting.

Background: Patients with Parkinsonism are encouraged to take their medications on time whether at home or in hospital. A number of campaigns are run internationally to ensure that patients always receive the drug on time when admitted to hospital; however data for outpatient clinic is lacking.

Methods: A survey was conducted amongst the Parkinsonism patients attending a multidisciplinary MDC between January to March 2017. Data was collected on a structured proforma, recording time of arrival to clinic, whether medications were brought in, and the time the medications were due. Data was analysed and changes were implemented. This included a modification of the appointment letter reminding patients to bring their medication, a new patient information leaflet; a “Get it on Time” poster was drafted for the clinic area to raise awareness. Further data was collected between November 2017 and January 2018.

Results: 38 patients were included in the first survey, the average age was 82.5 and 55% were male. 45 patients were included in the second survey, the average age was 80.6 and 64.4% were females. 82.2 % (37/45) brought the new appointment letter.

Conclusions: Our quality improvement project has led to a significant proportion of Parkinsonism patients (39% to 75%) bringing their medications to the multidisciplinary MDC. This has helped to make an accurate assessment of their motor (bradykinesia, dyskinesia and gait) and non-motor symptoms leading to appropriate advice on pharmacotherapy and other strategies including gait, posture and cueing.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/improving-compliance-to-parkinsonisms-pharmacotherapy-amongst-patients-attending-a-movement-disorders-clinic-mdc/