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The ParkinsonNet concept: Development, implementation and initial experience
Author(s) -
Nijkrake Maarten J.,
Keus Samyra H.J.,
Overeem Sebastiaan,
Oostendorp Rob A.B.,
Vlieland Thea P.M. Vliet,
Mulleners Wim,
Hoogerwaard Edo M.,
Bloem Bastiaan R.,
Munneke Marten
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.22813
Subject(s) - referral , medicine , health professionals , health care , disease , nursing , psychology , physical therapy , pathology , economics , economic growth
Abstract The quality and efficiency of allied health care in Parkinson's disease (PD) must be improved. We have developed the ParkinsonNet concept: a professional regional network within the catchment area of hospitals. ParkinsonNet aims to: (1) improve PD‐specific expertise among allied health personnel, by training a selected number of therapists according to evidence‐based guidelines; (2) enhance the accuracy of referrals by neurologists; (3) boost patient volumes per therapist, by stimulating preferred referral to ParkinsonNet therapists; and (4) stimulate collaboration between therapists, neurologists, and patients. We describe the procedures for developing a ParkinsonNet network. Our initial experience with this new concept is promising, showing an increase in PD‐specific and a steady rise in the patient volume of individual therapists. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society