A major research project into the effectiveness of neurological nurses supporting people with Parkinson’s in regional communities has passed another major milestone.

Stage 1 – a literature review – has been completed and is already attracting keen interest. Stage 2 is now well underway. This involves an analysis of data and outcomes achieved by the Parkinson’s NSW nurse embedded in the Coffs Harbour community. It will enable a comparison of two different nursing models.

The research is being conducted on behalf of Parkinson’s NSW by the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health of Charles Sturt University (CSU).

The project – the first of its kind in Australia – is also measuring the potential cost-savings to Government through this decentralised approach to supporting  Parkinson’s patients.

This research has global significance and is being considered for presentation at the Parkinson World Congress in Kyoto, Japan, in June next year.

The third and final stage of the research project will involve interviewing people who participate in Parkinson’s NSW Support Groups in regional areas of NSW.

This stage will identify why people with Parkinson’s attend Support Groups, how they benefit from participating, and what regional healthcare needs are currently not being met.

The entire research project is expected to be completed by the end of 2019 and results will be shared with all Support Groups, as well as GPs, Neurologists, allied health professionals, Local Health Districts and State and Local Government.