Objective: To explore the models of training delivery and interaction between Parkinson’s disease nurse specialists (PDNS), Parkinson’s UK (PUK) and care home staff (CHS) when caring for a patient with Parkinson’s (PwP) in a care home.

Background: Existing models of care for PwP living in care homes in the UK may not be optimal. However, data on the experience of health and social care workers in managing such patients is not well understood.

Methods: As part of the Care Needs Project all PDNS in the UK, PUK staff, and also CHS within North Tyneside and Northumberland were invited to participate. The PDNS and PUK surveys were developed following focus groups and distributed nationally. The CHS survey was distributed to care homes identified via the ENRICH project.

Results: 280 preliminary responses (158 PDNS, 69 PUK & 53 CHS) were compared for similar themes among training and caring for PwP. In the past 12 months 83% of PUK staff had received requests for training in care homes, from multiple sources. 64% reported negative experiences of respite or care home placements which were frequently linked to a perceived lack of specialist training for CHS. Similarly positive experiences were often attributed to well trained staff. PUK staff that offered training found the main benefits of training included improved quality of care and greater understanding of medications, with barriers to training including staff time, low attendance and high staff turnover. Their views mirrored those of PDNS who provided training for CHS, although 38% of PDNS said they were not able to train care home staff. 96% of CHS have at some point cared for a PwP. Falls, limited communication and physical difficulties (e.g. freezing) were the most difficult symptoms to manage. 59.62% have received some form of training in regards to PwP. When asked how confident they felt in caring for PwP, the average was 7/10 (10 most confident). Of those who had received training the average confidence level was 7.7 and in those who hadn’t it was 5.9. Most respondents felt that having further training could help them better care for a PwP.

Conclusions: Although many CHS fell confident in managing PwP, there was awareness across all groups that a lack of training was a major barrier to providing quality care for PwP in care homes. An accredited training course or quality mark could help improve outcomes.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/barriers-to-providing-quality-care-for-people-with-parkinsons-living-in-care-homes-in-the-uk-the-role-of-staff-training/