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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
The ParkinsonNet concept: development, implementation and initial experience.
Maarten J Nijkrake1, Samyra H J Keus, Sebastiaan Overeem
1Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUNMC), Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Summary
ParkinsonNet improves Parkinson
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Allied Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) care requires enhanced quality and efficiency.
- Current allied health services for PD patients need improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the ParkinsonNet concept, a regional professional network for allied health care in Parkinson's disease.
- To outline the development procedures for establishing a ParkinsonNet network.
- To present initial promising experiences with the ParkinsonNet model.
Main Methods:
- Developing a professional regional network (ParkinsonNet) for allied health professionals.
- Training selected therapists in evidence-based guidelines for Parkinson's disease.
- Facilitating accurate referrals from neurologists to specialized therapists.
- Promoting collaboration among therapists, neurologists, and patients.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated an increase in Parkinson's disease-specific expertise among allied health personnel.
- Observed a steady rise in patient volume for individual ParkinsonNet therapists.
- Initial experiences indicate a promising and effective model for PD care.
Conclusions:
- The ParkinsonNet concept shows potential for improving allied health care quality and efficiency in Parkinson's disease.
- The network model fosters specialized expertise, accurate referrals, and increased patient access.
- Collaboration and evidence-based training are key components of the successful ParkinsonNet initiative.
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