Connect.Parkinson: Connecting Individuals With Parkinson Disease to Specialists in Their Homes

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+19 other locations

Overseen byE. Ray Dorsey, MD, MBA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Rochester

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Connect.Parkinson is a randomized comparative effectiveness study, comparing usual care enhanced with educational materials to usual care, educational materials, and the delivery of specialty care via telemedicine into patient's homes. The study's specific aims are the following: 1. To demonstrate the feasibility of using telemedicine to deliver specialty care into the homes of individuals with Parkinson disease who have limited access to care; 2. To show that such an approach can improve quality of life; 3. To establish that the telemedicine can enhance the quality of care; and 4. To demonstrate that this remote approach to care saves time, reduces travel, and decreases care partner burden.

Research Team

E. Ray Dorsey, MD, MBA

Principal Investigator

University of Rochester

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Individuals with clinically diagnosed Idiopathic Parkinson disease in the judgment of the independent rater

No better alternative explanation for the parkinsonism

Access to a non-public, internet-enabled device (e.g., computer, tablet computer, smart phone) that has the capacity for web-based video conferencing

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Virtual Visits (Behavioural Intervention)

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Virtual Visits and Educational MaterialsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants with Parkinson disease randomized to the virtual visit intervention will receive educational materials from the National Parkinson Foundation, complete a baseline assessment and virtual study assessment with a physician independent rater, and then receive four virtual care visits with a Parkinson disease specialist in their state. Specialists will provide recommendations for care to participants and their designated local health care provider. At 12 months, these individuals will again be assessed by the independent rater, who will be blind to treatment assignment.

Group II: Usual Care and Educational MaterialsActive Control1 Intervention

Participants with Parkinson disease will receive educational materials from the National Parkinson Foundation, complete a baseline assessment survey and virtual visit with a physician independent rater, then continue with their usual care in their communities for the duration of the study. After 12 months, they will have another virtual study assessment with an independent rater, after which they will receive a free, one-time virtual consultation with a Parkinson disease specialist in their state.