Guideline comparison and assessment of prescribing trends in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Objective: To assess adherence to guidelines for the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD) by healthcare professionals at the Rehabilitation Hospital Karin Grech (RHKG) in Malta. Method: Retrospective and current data of inpatient medical records at RHKG was collected for 90 patients. Guidelines available at the hospital were reviewed and a comparison was compiled. Data collected and the compiled guidelines were used to assess the level of adherence of treatment decisions to guidelines. Analysis of data was carried out using Microsoft Office Excel® 2007 and SPSS® version 17.0. Key findings: Results show generally high adherence to published guidelines. Out of 22 patients started on co-careldopa therapy at the hospital, 16 had treatment decisions which adhered to guidelines. In the case of co-beneldopa, ropinirole and trihexyphenidyl (benzhexol) treatment, all patients had their treatment decisions implemented according to guidelines. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals at RHKG are aware of the presence of treatment guidelines. The adherence of their treatment decisions to guidelines indicates a good quality of care. Frequent assessment of the level of adherence to guidelines using similar studies will ensure optimisation of treatment.