ADPOTED PROJECT: OPTIM Park

Optimization of community resources and systems of support to enhance the process of living with Parkinson’s Disease: a multisectoral intervention (Linked to PARTNERS)

Chief Investigator:  Professor Mari Carmen Portillo – University of Southampton

Project Team Members: 

Dr Maria Victoria Navarta – University of Navarra, Dr Lydia Lopez Manzanares – Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Dr Line Bragstad – University of Oslo Dr Anita Haahr – VIA University College, Dr Elenitsa Kitromilides –European University Cyprus, Dr Dorit Kunkel – University of Southampton Professor Helen Roberts – University ofSouthampton,  Dr Sean Ewings – University of Southampton Dr Leire Ambrosio – University of Southampton

Organisations Involved:  National Parkinson’s Disease Associations (Denmark, Norway, Spain, UK), European Parkinson’s Disease Association

Background:

This ongoing project is looking at strategies that could help people live with Parkinson’s disease in the community through better use ofresources and systems of support. Working with other organisations and community groups this project will test out an intervention improving the coordination of services and resources for people with Parkinson’s disease and family carers in 4 European countries.

The overall aim of this project is to establish the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention that will enhance the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their family/carer. It will work to build a multisectoral care pathway, with a special focus on how to optimize the use of resources and systems of support in the community, for disadvantaged populations of different European countries.

We are introducing personalised assessments of needs and priorities, the role of a Parkinson’s disease coordinator, and navigation of resources in the community. In the UK we are working in collaboration with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, Solent NHS Trust, and Parkinson’s UK.