Objective: To evaluate a new model of care delivery in PD, the Integrated Parkinson’s disease Care Network (IPCN), in terms of implementation, health-related outcomes, patient/care partner experience and costs.

Background: The multiple needs of patients with PD challenge the healthcare system traditionally focused on physician-centred care delivery. Multispecialty care is an attractive model in PD, but it has shown small to none measurable health benefits and significant costs. We have developed a novel pragmatic integrated care network for people with PD (PwP), the IPCN, based on care integration, self-management, and health technology. The IPCN aims at improving health outcomes in a sustainable manner.

Method: Study overview: single center pre-post design study. “Newly-diagnosed PD” (n=25; PD diagnosis < 1 year) and “Advanced PD” (n=75; PD diagnosis > 8 years, H&Y (off) ≥ 3, not fully dependent) were invited to participate in a 6-month IPCN program. Assessments: A) Evaluation of IPCN implementation and enrollment, B) Clinical outcomes: PDQ-8, MDS-UPDRS part I-III, Geriatric Depression Scale, CGI-C, Assessment of Chronic Illness Case+/PACIC+, Zarit Caregiver Burden Questionnaire), C) Documentation of healthcare use and associated costs. Data analyses plan: Descriptive statistics; repeated measures linear regression analysis for changes over time (p<0.05).

Results: In 6 months, we recruited 100 PwP. 105 eligible PwP did not participate mainly due to geographical distance/transportation (n=37, 35.2 %). After the IPCN program, there was a patient-reported improvement in chronic care experience (PACIC+: 1.1 95% CI 0.9 – 1.3 ), and 72 (76.6 %) caregivers were (much) satisfied. 58 (63.7%) of PwP felt an improvement in their condition. Overall, non-statistical significant differences were found for lower mean monthly societal costs (C$ -239.44; 95% CI -549.53, 70.65) and improved health utility values (0.0003; 95% CI -0.0169, 0.0174). An improvement in health outcomes (PDQ8: 3.4, 95% CI 0.8 – 6.8) was documented only in the  ‘Advanced PD’ group.

Conclusion: The IPCN was well received by PwP and care partners. Recruitment was efficient. Preliminary evidence suggests a positive impact of IPCN on the perception of chronic care, health-related quality of life and possibly societal costs. The data inform and support a future cluster randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the IPCN.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/pilot-testing-of-the-integrated-parkinsons-disease-care-network-feasibility-efficacy-outcomes-and-cost-description-analysis/