Parkinson's Disease Society Project Reveals Need For Training On Parkinson's And Associated Mental Health Issues For Health And Social Care Profession

14 Aug 2008
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118210.php

Results from a recent survey conducted by the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) reveal a lack of knowledge on the mental health issues associated with Parkinson's amongst health and social professionals in England.

Over 470 professionals, including GPs, social workers, and nurses* responded to an online questionnaire designed to identify current levels of knowledge and to assess future training needs. The results have been released as The Parkinson's and Mental Health Education Project.

The survey reveals:

- Approximately one third of professionals are not confident in identifying the mental health symptoms associated with Parkinson's

- More than half of the professionals have not received any training in this area during the last two years

- There is a willingness to learn more among health and social care professionals with 87% of them declaring an interest in learning more about the mental health symptoms associated with Parkinson's

The PDS is now planning a specific training programme designed for professionals with regular consultation with key professional bodies. Five programmes will be piloted across the UK from February 2009. For more information and to arrange attendance, contact Jackie Spencer, Mental Health Project Manager on jspencer@parkinsons.org.uk

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