Parkinson's Disease and Hospitalization

Hospitalization is not something that most people plan for; however, for patients with Parkinson disease (PD), planning is imperative.  Patients with PD are hospitalized more often and for longer durations than similar-aged populations [1].  The initial reasons for hospitalization of persons with PD are not related to their PD in most cases.  Although higher incidences of hospitalization may relate to the motor disturbances of PD, other reasons of hospitalization are those that commonly affect anyone over the age of 50, such as cardiac incidents, pneumonia, and other infections [2].  However, treatment of PD can complicate an in-patient stay and thereby extend hospitalization time and delay recovery.  

The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) has created a program called Aware in Care (http://www.awareincare.org/pd-and-hospitalization/) that provides a small kit containing items to help PD patients while hospitalized.  In addition, there is guidance on how to best help educate healthcare professionals on the disease and a summary of 10 steps to optimize healthcare.    Advice is also presented for hospitalized patients with special issues related to PD, such as DBS placements or acute balance issues.

Patients should inform every doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional with whom they come in contact that their medications must be taken at their regularly scheduled times.  This is important because most hospitals do not allow patients to control their own medications.  Emergencies, shift changes, and other care interruptions may delay medication regimens.  Missing a scheduled dose of medications can affect comfort, dexterity, gait, and other motor functions.  In rare instances, care disruptions can be grave or even life-threatening.  

What the Aware in Care program strives to do is educate PD patients on issues related to hospitalization, so in turn they may advocate for themselves and ensure their needs are met by hospital staff.  Most health care professionals are not movement disorder specialists, and many do not understand the specific needs and issues surrounding PD, which makes advocacy on the part of the patient of the utmost importance.  

If you are a person with PD or know someone who is, please consider ordering an Aware in Care kit from the NPF.  They are provided free of charge, and with a little effort can be stocked and ready for any eventuality that leads to a hospital stay. 

NPF Helpline and Telephone Order Number for Aware in Care Kit

1.800.4PD.INFO (473-4636)

http://www.awareincare.org/

References

1. Low V, Ben-Shlomo Y, Coward E, et al. Measuring the burden and mortality of hospitalisation in Parkinson's disease: A cross-sectional analysis of the English Hospital Episodes Statistics database 2009-2013. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2015; epub ahead of print.

2. Aminoff MJ, Christine CW, Friedman JH, et al. Management of the hospitalized patient with Parkinson's disease: current state of the field and need for guidelines. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2011;17(3):139-45.