A pilot study of patient rated disability and the need for aids in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

In a questionnaire survey 71/96 members of the Belfast branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society reported their use of existing aids and their need for new aids. They selfrated their disability over a wide range of day-to-day functions, including transferring and turning in bed, selfcare, general mobility, independent living and communication. Thirty-one people had a particularly helpful aid. Only 16 people mentioned problems where a new aid might be helpful, but a number of these were already available. Comments were in general not about aids but rather the need for therapy, problems with drugs and the variability of the disease. Large numbers of patients were dependent in many daily tasks including 55% and 44% respectively needing help to bathe and dress. 31 % were dependent walking indoors and 73% could not use public transport by themselves. Clues to both the usefulness and limitations of aids were provided and require further exploration. There is a need for an overall support strategy in which expert assessment of daily living tasks and the provision of appropriate aids can play an important part. Doctors, therapists and patients all require more information on these topics.