Hospitalization prevention through telephone intervention in a Geriatrics Clinic for Parkinson’s: a novel approach to a complex problem

Hospitalization prevention through telephone intervention in a Geriatrics Clinic for Parkinson’s: a novel approach to a complex problem

Parkinson's disease (PD) in older persons is a very challenging clinical problem due to the intersection of non-motor and motor complications of PD, multiple co-morbidities, and polypharmacy. The psychosocial aspects of the disease, as well as caregiver burden, are significant. Current North American models of care are highly subspecialized and often result in fragmented care. This talk explores a novel comprehensive model of care, based on Comprehensive Geriatrics Assessment and Management, in the management of PD in older persons. Research with focus on prevention of hospitalization for older persons with PD and alleviation of caregiver burden will be presented. Suggestions for availability and scalability of this model of care will be discussed.

Presenters:

Dr. Joyce Lee, Geriatrician & Greta Ma, Pharmacist; North York General Hospital, Specialized Geriatrics Program

Discussant:

Chris Fan-Lun, Geriatric Medicine Pharmacist and Clinical Practice Leader at Mount Sinai Hospital; Adjunct Lecturer at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto.