Some nurses have been specially trained in Parkinson’s and can act as a ‘bridge’ between you and your doctor, answering questions or referring you to other professionals within the multidisciplinary team. These are called Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialists (PDNS) and their role can encompass:
- case management
- care pathway, including dealing with symptom control and complications
- counselling and acting as an advocate to ensure access to evidence-based information and services
- medication management (including prescribing)
- educating people with Parkinson’s and their families, and the wider multidisciplinary health and social care team.
Not every country has PDNSs and the referral procedures do depend on where you live.
If you would like to see a PDNS you should first talk with your doctor who will advise if a PDNS service is available in the country in which you live. Alternatively, you can contact your national Parkinson’s organisation1,2 who will also be able to help you.
