Objective: To determine the feasibility of using a iPad-based preassessment app in a Parkinson’s service.

Background: Parkinson’s patients have a core motor disorder, a host of non-motor symptoms and often, as a consequence, an impaired quality of life. In short clinical consults it is hard to regularly capture that personalised data. Variously, paper versions of the NMSQuest and EQ-5D have been used to assess patients but this has not been regularly captured in a readily accessible format over time. We devised an iPad based app which takes patients through the EQ-5D, the NMSQuest and a two finger tapping task. We aimed to determine whether this group of patients were capable of using the device appropriately and in a reasonable time frame.

Methods: 44 patients and 5 staff members participated in the study. After completing the app, a short structured questionnaire was completed verbally with the patients. The app was demonstrated to staff, they were then interviewed in a semi-structured manner. Data was collated over 6 clinical sessions and analysed for common themes.

Results: Of the 44 patients who trialed the app, it was completed by 38 patients (modal age group 71-80) in a mean time of 12 minutes. Despite only 50% of patients having used an iPad previously, 84% felt comfortable using it and 90% found the app easy to navigate, the majority preferring an iPad to paper based assessments in the future. Over 75% of patients completed the app themselves, while some had significant assistance from a carer or partner. In general patients found it a positive experience. Some made helpful comments about how the app could be improved. All staff felt that the introduction of the iPad would improve patient care but had some concerns over feasibility and the ability of patients to complete it without assistance, putting additional pressure on current resources.

Conclusions: The app was considered easy to navigate and complete within the timeframe of a normal clinic. Age appears to be no barrier to using the device, although staff were concerned about how this might work in regular practice. Adaptations to the app based on the feedback are planned and an examination of how this could be usefully incorporated into regular clinics. Future studies will evaluate how clinicians use the information in the electronic health record in the consults and whether patient care is, or is perceived to be, improved by the use of these tools.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/ipad-based-preassessment-questionnaires-are-feasible-in-a-parkinsons-service/