Title : Improving DBS access and postoperative experience in parkinson’s disease through patient education: A perspective review
Abstract:
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) offers a promising therapeutic option for Parkinson's Disease (PD), significantly improving both motor and non-motor symptoms. However, disparities in DBS access and utilization persist, particularly related to gender and patient education. This review evaluates the impact of patient education on addressing these disparities and enhancing postoperative outcomes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, including full-text articles in English from 2000 to 2023. Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, using terms like “DBS,” “PD,” and “patient education.” Exclusion criteria filtered out abstracts, case reports, posters, and non-peer-reviewed studies. Various study designs were considered, providing insights from both pre-clinical and clinical settings. Key outcomes assessed were access to DBS, postoperative care quality, and patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis involved descriptive and cohort study data interpretation. Results indicated that patient education significantly impacts DBS access and postoperative outcomes. Over 30% of DBS failures are due to inappropriate referrals, exacerbated by inconsistencies in preoperative evaluations and follow-up schedules. Women are underrepresented in DBS referrals, with men being twice as likely to undergo DBS surgery. Contributing factors include personal preferences, social support, and higher levels of apprehension about potential complications among women. About one-third of patients experience psychological disturbances post-DBS, with unrealistic treatment expectations and social maladjustment negatively affecting quality of life. Effective patient education, utilizing multimodal approaches such as video resources, reading materials, and peer support networks, significantly improves informed decision-making and treatment satisfaction. Tailored communication strategies based on individual patient backgrounds are crucial. Standardized care protocols and training programs for healthcare providers can enhance patient outcomes by ensuring consistent communication about DBS benefits and risks.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The critical role of patient education in improving DBS access and outcomes
- Strategies to address gender disparities in DBS utilization
- Effective educational tools and methods for enhancing patient understanding and satisfaction
- The importance of tailored communication and standardized protocols in clinical practice
- This knowledge will help healthcare providers enhance the quality of care by ensuring patients are well-informed, leading to better decision-making and adherence to treatment protocols. It will also foster more equitable access to advanced therapies like DBS
- The findings can be used to develop further research on patient education’s impact on clinical outcomes and to create educational modules for medical training programs
