Objective: RACE-PD is a case series that aims to assess the feasibility and utility of a national program providing individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) a one-time, at-home video visit with a PD specialist.

Background: Patients with PD are often faced with the burden of traveling long distances, incurring high travel costs, and experiencing long waits in order to receive specialty care in the United States.

Methods: Individuals with PD in five states were recruited and enrolled remotely. Participants completed an electronic assessment that included the Parkinson’s disease questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39), questions about time and travel, utilization of the internet and technology, and demographics. Participants received telemedicine software and a webcam, if needed. Participants then completed a one-time video visit with a PD specialist. Specialists provided recommendations during the visit and then sent a consultation note to patients and their physicians. Additionally, providers and participants completed a satisfaction survey. Six months later, participants completed another PDQ-39 and a survey about the recommendations provided by the specialist.

Results: As of November 2015, 250 individuals have enrolled and 182 (74%) have completed neurologist visits with 12 different investigators. Participants spent 92% of virtual visit time with the PD specialist, as compared to 22% of the total visit time spent with their regular in-person PD provider. The amount of travel and waiting time saved is a key benefit of virtual visits, since 67% of patients reported having to take full or half days away from other responsibilities in order to attend in-person clinic visits. Six-month surveys showed that 83% of participants began an exercise program and 68% implemented changes to PD medications as a result of recommendations provided in the virtual visit. Overall, 95% of participants report being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the care they received, while 96% of investigators reported being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the care they were able to provide.

Conclusions: An interim analysis of the RACE-PD study shows a high level of satisfaction and efficacy for participants and investigators, especially with regards to convenience of the visit and impact on care. Additional data analysis after study completion will further elucidate the role of virtual house calls in PD.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-national-case-study-of-virtual-care-visits-for-parkinsons-disease-race-pd-interim-assessment-of-participant-and-investigator-experiences/