National 2019 UK Parkinson's Audit
The UK-wide clinical audit was originally developed to address the
concerns of professionals, patients and their representatives about
the quality of care provided to people with Parkinson's Disease.
The audit uses evidence-based clinical guidelines as the basis for
measuring the quality of care in the outpatient setting. In 2015, the
PREM was introduced, offering patients and carers the opportunity
to identify areas of good practice or highlight deficiencies in their
own care.
The NHS continues to face unprecedented challenges. This makes it more important than ever
to look closely at what Parkinson's services are delivering and how teams are being supported to
help working together through the UK Parkinson's Excellence Network, to share evidence and best
practice that can improve standards of care.
Key messages:
• There have been improvements in many areas since 2017
• There is still work to be done across all specialties in the following areas:
- Specialised multidisciplinary working
- Standardised practices
- Communication and information sharing
- Medicines management
- Supporting the workforce.
Conclusion
This largest ever audit of Parkinson's services provides a powerful set of data for the UK
Parkinson's Excellence Network to use as we continue to drive up the overall quality of Parkinson's
services across the UK. The significant uplift in the numbers of services taking part in the 2019 audit
is a reflection of the investment into audit development and of the commitment and dedication from
all of the professionals involved.
In a challenging NHS environment, it's vital that we continue to work to close gaps in services and,
in many cases, focusing on simple adjustments will enable more standardised, evidence based care
that can improve life for people affected by the condition. Thank you to everyone who has been
involved.
This set of audit results demonstrates where service improvement plans delivered developments
in practice and services and offers learning and inspiration for others taking their next step in the
improvement cycle.
The Excellence Network continues to provide a full range of support, tools, data and training to
support services taking their next step along the improvement journey.
For the first time ever, investment into a UK wide multicentred service improvement approach is
being made in order to ultimately support many more people affected by the condition.
94 Goal 4: Raising the Standards