Abstract Details

Title In Their Shoes: Quality of Services for Parkinson’s Disease Patients in the Dominican Republic

Topic Movement Disorders

Presentation(s) P4 - Poster Session 4 (5:00 PM-6:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 5-025

Objective

To assess perceptions regarding the quality of care offered to patients living with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the Dominican Republic.

Background Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 6 million people worldwide, with a rising prevalence of disability and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach is required to improve quality of life, emphasizing the importance of access to high-quality healthcare services and support.

Design/Methods A 20-question telephone survey was conducted with 4 response options (poor, average, good, and excellent) addressing 5 main topics: dopaminergic treatment (accessibility, efficacy, and economy), patient-physician care and emergency services, psychotherapy and education (for patients, family members, and caregivers), rehabilitation programs and complementary therapies; and support groups. Qualitative analysis of the survey results was performed.

Results A total of 31 PD patients treated at a tertiary care center were included. Most (%) considered the effectiveness of the available treatment as excellent; although, its availability at the time of acquisition was classified as average. Advice on advanced therapies was assessed as poor; whereas doctor-patient relationship, personalized care, emergency management, as well as the availability of subsequent appointments, were considered regular and good. Nevertheless, the quality of information about the disease and its management was rated as poor. Psychotherapy, education and support for patients, family members and caregivers, was classified in between regular and good, along with educational resources, rehabilitation programs and availability of complementary therapies. Finally, support groups and associations for PD, were rated as regular.

Conclusions The care of PD patients in the Dominican Republic is deficient in terms of access, quality and continuity of services. This impacts negatively both patients and their families, impairing their quality of life and management of the disease. It is essential to implement public policies and support groups to enhance the health system and create care networks that benefit patients and their families.

Authors/Disclosures
Niurka Alexandra Carrasco De La Cruz, MD (CEDIMAT) PRESENTER	Dr. Carrasco De La Cruz has nothing to disclose.
Cesarina L. Torres Vásquez, MD (PUCMM)	No disclosure on file
William J. Castro Grandel, MD (CEDIMAT)	Dr. Castro Grandel has nothing to disclose.
Janfreisy S. Carbonell Almonte II, MD (CEDIMAT)	Dr. Carbonell Almonte has nothing to disclose.
Indhira Zabala Angeles, MD (INNN)	Dr. Zabala Angeles has nothing to disclose.
Diogenes A. Santos Perez, MD (Cedimat)	Dr. Santos Perez has nothing to disclose.
Francisco Javier Taveras	Dr. TAVERAS has nothing to disclose.
Yesenia M. Suero Peralta, MD (CEMEP)	Dr. Suero Peralta has nothing to disclose.
Anyeri I. De Pena Rivas, MD (Medicalnet B)	Dr. De Pena Rivas has nothing to disclose.

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