Objective: Aims/Objectives A review to explore the role of a pharmacist NMP within the neurology PD multidisciplinary team during a six month period between 1st April 2017 – 30th September 2017. Specifically to determine the: – Number of PD patients seen by the pharmacist NMP – Reasons why PD patients were seen by the pharmacist NMP – Number of prescriptions written by the pharmacist NMP

Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that is estimated to affect up to 160 people per 100,000, with an annual incidence in the UK of 15-20 per 100,000.1. The role of a pharmacist can be helpful in the management of PD but is often not recognised. The publication of the Parkinson’s Disease Society 2015 UK Parkinson’s Audit Summary Report disappointingly has no reference to a pharmacist in the management of PD.2. The latest NICE guideline on Parkinson’s Disease in adults (NG71) only refers once to a pharmacist. Pharmacists are able to assist in the medication review to improve adherence and compliance to medications.1. The introduction of a pharmacist non-medical prescriber (NMP) to the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust has facilitated a pathway for PD patients to have another point of contact within the neurology team, improved access to medications and thus enhanced patient care/experience.

Methods: Clinic lists were analysed of PD patients who attended to pharmacist led clinic and data collected entered onto a spreadsheet. Ethics approval was not required.

Results: A total of 61 patients with PD were seen during the review period with 92 prescriptions written for medication. Patients were seen for initiation; up/down titration; counselling of side effects; medication reviews.

Conclusions: A pharmacist’s role can be extremely valuable within the multidisciplinary team. The Trust pathway involved consultants referring suitable patients to the pharmacist led clinic. The pharmacist saw patients who required dose initiation and titration specifically for motor symptoms, but also saw patients who were suffering from non-motor symptoms. Some patients were seen for closer management of their medications in order to optimise therapy and to improve compliance. A pharmacist appointment is easier to obtain than a consultant appointment and therefore patient’s had greater access if they experienced any issues. Pharmacists play an important and vital role within the multidisciplinary team and can enhance their existing role as a NMP. Pharmacists have the capability in caring for patients with long term conditions ensuring compliance, adherence and to monitor for safety and efficacy of treatment. It is such a pleasure to write about pharmacists having such a crucial role in the treatment of PD.

References: 1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2017) Parkinson’s Disease in Adults (NICE Guideline 71). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng71/resources/parkinsons-disease-in-adults-pdf-1837629189061 [Accessed 08.10.17 ]. 2. Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network. 2015 UK Parkinson’s Audit: Summary Report. 2015.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/exploring-the-role-of-a-prescribing-pharmacist-in-the-management-of-parkinsons-disease/