Evaluation of the role of the Parkinson's disease nurse specialist

A one year follow up study of 108 randomised patients with Parkinson's dise ase at three centres was performed to investigate differences between care provided by the hospital based Parkinson's disease nurse specialist (PDNS) compared with the Consultant Neurologist (control). Only two (out of 22) di fferences were found where physical functioning and general health improved more in the control group. Provision of PDNS' for patients with Parkinson' s disease cannot therefore be recommended solely on cost-effectiveness grou nds because of similar outcomes but increased costs associated with the PDN S providing additional care. However medical and nursing specialists valued their complimentary expertise, and patient and carers responses to consult ations also reflect that PDNS's have particular contributions. Aspects of c are most valued by patients and carers and consultation interactions are di scussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.