Parkinson's
Disease Pharmacotherapy Traineeship
Curriculum
Traineeship Preceptor and Site
Tanya Simuni, MD
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois
Approximately 50-70 outpatients with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders are seen weekly at the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, ranging in severity from newly diagnosed to those with severe motor fluctuations. Patients vary widely in disability, age of onset, and responsiveness to medications. The neurological problems range from alternative clinical diagnoses, control of medication adverse effects, drug interactions, dementia and depression, adjustment of pharmocotherapy, and the use of adjunctive medications. Several clinical trials of new anti-Parkinsonian medications are ongoing in the Center, and participants in the traineeship can observe clinical ratings and other study methods.
As a part of their experience, participants will participate in clinic with the traineeship preceptor and other Center physicians, meet with patients and their families to discuss medication responses and other management issues, and discuss relevant issues with other members of the interdisciplinary team. Specific activities will include: (1) training in the use of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and its subcomponents; (2) use of assessment instruments for non-motor disability in Parkinson’s disease; (3) use of diaries and other instruments for evaluation of medication responses; (4) interviewing techniques and skills for patient assessment; (5) targeting of medications for specific problems in the Parkinson's disease population; and (6) participation in Parkinson’s disease support group.
The traineeship will utilize the following basic educational components. The scheduling of these components will be determined by daily clinic schedules.
DISCUSSION TOPICS
- Overview of Parkinson’s disease, differential diagnosis, and use of rating scales
- Pharmacologic management of Parkinson's disease
- Management of motor fluctuations
- Dementia in the patient with Parkinson’s disease
- Nursing Issues in the management of Parkinson’s disease
- Assessment of non-motor disability in Parkinson’s disease, including depression, sleep dysfunction, caregiver strain, quality of life
- The role of social worker, speech therapist, and physical therapist in the management of Parkinson’s disease
- Research studies—patient involvement
- Organizations and resources to aid in patient care
EXPERIENTIAL/CLINICAL: DAILY CONTACT WITH PERSONS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND CAREGIVERS
- Instruction and evaluation in using Unified Parkinson's Disease Scale and Hoehn and Yahr Staging
- Mini-mental Status Examination training
- Observation of neurological examination of persons with Parkinson’s disease by neurologist
- Observation of the use of assessment instruments for non-motor disability in Parkinson’s disease
- Assist in interviewing persons with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers
- Attendance at Parkinson's disease support group meeting
SELECTED READINGS
- Selected reading materials will be provided to participants prior to the traineeship.
CASE DISCUSSIONS
- Meetings will be held to discuss relevant clinical care issues.
- Selected cases highlighting clinical care decision making will be discussed.
