Isle of wight 10-week exercise and education course for newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease patients

<h3></h3> Following a successful pilot, individuals who are newly diagnosed with PD on the IOW are offered a 10-week exercise and education course, comprised of weekly 2–3-hour sessions, including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, SALT, Dietetics, Psychology, Specialist Nursing, &amp; Neurology, with further sessions provided by external providers such as Cure Parkinson’s and ‘Creative Beats’ drumming. We believe this initiative addresses problems due to excess demands on existing services, meaning patients may not be referred for above therapies, or followed up by consultant or nurse specialist in a timely manner recommended post diagnosis (NICE, PD Excellence). It provides a more streamlined and cost-effective solution which can be delivered within the first year of diagnosis. The courses teach patients strategies to self-manage their condition and also successfully introduces the importance of psychological aspects of their condition. They create an immediate support network of the collective group, benefitting those not keen to join groups with more clinically advanced patients. In addition to improved mobility, targeted exercise has potential falls prevention effects, which can result in significant wider economic benefits such as reduced hospital admissions. 4 groups (40 patients plus carers) have now completed the course, with excellent motor outcomes and patient satisfaction measures.