PCORI implementation projects promote the use of findings from PCORI-funded studies in real-world healthcare and other settings. These projects build toward broad use of evidence to inform healthcare decisions.

	This PCORI-funded implementation project is expanding the use of a team-based palliative care program shown to improve quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition in the United States. It affects 1 to 2 percent of people over age 60. This disease can cause poor balance; shaking in the hands, legs, or face; and pain, fatigue, dementia, and depression. Progress has been made in treating patients’ motor symptoms. But gaps remain in addressing other patient concerns.

What is the goal of this implementation project?

Palliative care focuses on easing suffering and improving quality of life for people with a serious illness and their families. A PCORI-funded study found that a team-based palliative care program improved quality of life, symptom burden, and grief for patients with Parkinson’s disease. It also improved caregiver burden, anxiety, and spiritual well-being for family care partners. The program addresses patients’ pain, emotional well-being, social support, and care planning, as well family care partner support.

This project will expand the team-based palliative care program to medical centers across the country that serve patients with Parkinson’s disease.

What will this project do?

The project team is rolling out the program as part of standard care at 34 medical centers designated as Centers of Excellence by the Parkinson’s Foundation. The centers vary in size, type, staffing, and resources to support staff. The centers serve diverse patient populations.

The project team is working with staff at the centers to put the program in place. The team is

• Helping centers develop palliative care teams, which include a neurologist, nurse, social worker, chaplain, and primary care doctor
• Adapting patient screening and other processes for each center
• Adapting clinician checklists and other materials as needed
• Training staff at the centers and providing ongoing coaching, support, and feedback

What is the expected impact of this project?

This project will establish palliative care as a core service at Parkinson Foundation Centers of Excellence, consistent with the foundation’s goals for patient care.

At least 54,000 patients will receive team-based palliative care during the project. All centers have committed to sustaining the program after the project ends. The evaluation will confirm that the program is working as intended at these centers to improve patients’ quality of life.

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