2020 Annual Demographic Survey of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Nurse Specialists

Reflection of the last 12 months.

Over the past 12 months, we have seen a rapid growth in the number of Parkinson’s Disease Movement Disorder Nurse Specialist (PDMDNS) positions across Australia. This is largely thanks to Federal funding of $6.3 million injected into the Primary Health Networks. The result is a creative diversification of the Parkinson’s disease nursing model as organisations seek to meet the needs of their local populations with the resources available.

Changes to the landscape diversification of models of care

Creative new models of care include using the funding to upskill a number of rural and remote nurses within their existing positions to provide specialised care to people with Parkinson’s disease. Another model has placed one nurse position within a private allied health business setting. A third model is the ongoing initiative from Parkinson’s NSW where they have continued to partner with Local Health Districts across New South Wales to insert PDMDNS into public hospitals.

Timeliness of the Demographic survey – what the survey set out to achieve, advantages of tracking change and growth within the specialty

At a time of such rapid advancements, an annual demographic survey enables us to quantify and track the growth and changes within the specialty. Data collection provides clear evidence of the emerging trends and enables us to respond to changes appropriately.

What we are doing:

The publication of results from the first demographic survey highlighted that pharmaceutical companies are the second largest employer of PDMDNS at 21%. In response, the Movement Disorder Chapter (MDC) has focused to be inclusive of this cohort of PDMDNS with unique workplace needs, provide them with a supportive network and educational resources. The MDC is partnering with variety of organisations to provide expertise for co-design processes, clinical governance structures and evaluation of emerging service models.

COVID has widened our skillset to allow more flexible networking and minimised the impact of geographical challenges through video conferencing capabilities. We are now able to provide structured members’ meeting to keep everyone updated on our projects and activities and allow for a platform to provide mentoring and support for all PDMDNS.

Our aim as the ANNA MDC is to continue to cultivate a culture of clinical excellence, professionalism, mutual support and an environment of altruistic attitudes. It is truly an exciting time to be a Parkinson’s Disease Movement Disorder Nurse Specialist in Australia.