Transforming Care Across Countries: Lessons from the Integrated Care Networks for Parkinson's Disease Study...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Care Models

Background:

• Optimal care delivery for Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear, necessitating agile and transferable care models.
• Diverse healthcare systems require adaptable solutions to meet the evolving needs of individuals with PD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the multinational implementation and impact of the innovative integrated care delivery program for PD, named iCARE-PD.
• Assess the feasibility, process outcomes, acceptability, and health-related outcomes of the iCARE-PD program.

Main Methods:

• A multinational prospective observational study with a pre-post design was conducted across six national PD tertiary centers.
• The 4-month integrated care program focused on individualized care plans, enhanced system navigation, and self-care support.
• Enrollment and program completion rates were primary outcomes, with transnational feasibility and health-related outcomes as secondary measures.

Main Results:

• The iCARE-PD program demonstrated high transnational feasibility, with a median site enrollment rate of 69.6% and a program completion rate of 96.5%.
• Participants showed a significant positive change in the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care + (PACIC+) total score (0.48, P < 0.0001).
• The "Complex Care Needs" group experienced a positive score change in MDS-UPDRS Part II + III nontremor (4.03, P = 0.0018).

Conclusions:

• The iCARE-PD model was successfully implemented across diverse social, cultural, and healthcare systems, achieving high completion rates.
• The program improved perceived care quality for individuals at distinct stages of Parkinson's disease.
• Findings suggest the transferability and impact of this community-centered, pragmatic integrated care model for PD and potentially other chronic movement disorders.