Motor Symptom Assessment in Adults Attending an Interdisciplinary Clinic for Parkinson's Disease

Abstract Background Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition affecting movement. The core motor symptoms are tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability. PD is caused by denervation of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra. The majority of cases are idiopathic. The motor symptoms of PD can be disabling, though they can be managed with medications that increase or mimic dopamine (E.g. levodopa or dopamine agonists). Appropriate management of PD relies on accurate symptom recognition. The aim of this audit was to review the documentation of the presence/absence of core motor symptoms of PD; the prevalence of motor symptoms; and factors influencing motor symptoms in adults attending an interdisciplinary PD clinic. (Factors influencing symptoms included constipation, medication adherence and medication education.) Methods The first national clinical audit of movement disorder services in Ireland was published in 2024, measuring the quality of care provided to adults living with PD. The tool used in this national audit was applied retrospectively to the healthcare records of 20 adults who attended an interdisciplinary PD clinic between December 2024-March 2025. The documentation of symptom presence/absence, constipation, medication adherence and evidence of medication education was recorded. Symptom prevalence was calculated for those who had been asked about symptom presence. Results Documentation of symptom prevalence/absence: Prevalence of motor symptoms: 20% were asked about medication adherence; 15% had evidence of medication education provision. 100% were asked about constipation. Conclusion The majority of patients attending an interdisciplinary clinic had motor symptoms assessed. There was a high prevalence of symptom burden; particularly bradykinesia (72.2%) and freezing (66.7%). Disease stage is unknown, limiting further interpretation. Medication education and adherence are important in PD management. Healthcare providers should review patient understanding of medications. Providing patient information leaflets may assist this.