In partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, University of Plymouth and Newcastle University, we are helping to create and evaluate a digital system for improving the care of people living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Problem

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the world’s fastest growing neurological disease, with the number of UK patients projected to rise to 170,000 by 2025. Traditionally, patients travel to a hospital every six months to see a specialist. This is challenging due to increasing pressures on the NHS and can be a burden for patients and carers. The current cost of healthcare is over £728 million per year rising to a total economic impact of £3.6 billion.

Action

We are collaborating with researchers who have developed a home-based approach for people with Parkinson’s disease that combines wearing wrist-worn sensors with support and information on how to recognise and manage symptoms. We are supporting the team to create and evaluate  a digital version of this system so it can be made available across the UK. The project is led by Professor Camille Carrol, our deputy Ageing theme lead, and Professor Edward Meinert. The project represents a successful collaboration between University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, University of Plymouth and Newcastle University.

Outcome

As part of the project team, we have:

• Interviewed healthcare professionals involved in management and treatment of PD.
• Identified that the current care pathway for people with PD includes regional variation.
• Produced a report outlining current practice and opinions on the digital system, called SMaRT-PD, to identify the most appropriate locations and services for the approach.
• Conducted an economic assessment to determine the cost effectiveness of SMaRT-PD.
• Provided a public perspective on the project – our insight panel shaped study documentation.
• Won the award for “Digital Innovation in Health and Social Care” at the Bright Ideas in Health Awards 2024.

Impact

• Over 280 patients have reported a far greater sense of autonomy and empowerment than they had under previous treatment programmes.
• The quality of care provided to patients met 93% of the national audit standards developed by Parkinson’s UK compared to the 77% national average. Our approach has also caught the attention of NHS England and the UK Parliament.
• The 50% reduction in consultant time allows for better resource allocation within the healthcare system. A reduction in patient travel is also estimated to save 2.01 metric tons of CO2, contributing to ecological benefits and net zero ambitions.

Find out more about the project’s Bright Ideas In Health Award