Health Services/Population Health

32. Influence of Care Partner Presence on Outcomes of People with Parkinson’s Disease

Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease is one the most common neurodegenerative diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. Having a combination of motor and non-motor symptoms, people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwP) are often dependent on their informal care partners (CP) to carry out vital functions. While the effect of PwP and CP characteristics on caregiver burden and outcomes has been previously reviewed, the effect of CP presence on PwP outcomes has not been synthesized. As women are less likely to have a CP and more likely to have a shorter time to paid care than men, understanding these effects is expected to highlight disparities in outcomes for those without a CP. This study aims to assess the effects of the presence of an informal CP on patient outcomes among PwP.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted with the following inclusion criteria: 1) study participants are PwP 2) quantitative outcomes reported for PwP, 3) the presence or absence of a CP is noted, and 4) available in English. Databases included OVID MEDLINE, OVID PsycInfo, SCOPUS, Ebsco CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Proquest Dissertations & Theses and Web of Science Core Collection A total of 4961 unique articles were examined by 6 independent reviewers. Based on the title and abstract, 489 articles met the inclusion criteria. Upon subsequent full article review, 175 articles met study criteria. Data was extracted from each pertaining to PwP baseline demographics, PwP outcomes, and article information. Quality assessment is forthcoming.

Results: The 175 articles had a total sample size of 39,764 participants from which data were extracted. Of those articles, only 4 did not have CP present. Of the included studies, the majority (103) were cross-sectional, with 32 cohorts,12 RCTs, and 4 case-controls being the next largest proportions. Outcome results like PwP motor functionality and quality of life are a part of our anticipated results.

Impact: Our study aims to highlight disparities that may be present in the access and quality of care for PwP without CP. We hope this study warrants further research into improving the quality of life of PwP and those around them.

Organization: Saint Louis University

DeMarco EC, Pruthi S, Ravi A, DeVeydt A, Cotter A, Davids T, Subramaniam DS, Park S,
Hinyard L