Principal Investigators


Dr Catherine Hurt

Institution


City University London

Contact information of lead PI


Country


United Kingdom

Title of project or programme


PD-HELP: Development of an intervention to increase help-seeking for non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's

Source of funding information


Parkinson's UK

Total sum awarded (Euro)


€ 158,071

Start date of award


01/06/2014

Total duration of award in years


3

Keywords


Research Abstract


Non-motor symptoms (NMS) are common in Parkinson’s and contribute significantly to the burden of disease, causing distress and decreasing quality of life. A high rate of non-declaration of NMS by patients means that some NMS remain unrecognized and unmanaged, even in specialist services. The present program of research aims to increase help-seeking for NMS and consequently receipt of clinical care. The study aims to fully define the main barriers which prevent patients seeking medical attention for NMS using both quantitative and qualitative methods. This evidence will be used to develop an online, individualised intervention to provide information-support and increase help-seeking for NMS. A feasibility study will be conducted  to assess the acceptability of the intervention. The feasibility study will also explore methods of assessment and provide sample size estimates to inform plans for a future controlled trial to assess the efficacy of the intervention. Once efficacy has been demonstrated it is our intention to make the intervention widely available via Parkinson’s websites to increase help-seeking and ultimately receipt of clinical care for NMS among patients with Parkinson’s.

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