The benefits of a standardized patient education program for patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers

The Patient Education Program Parkinson (PEPP) is a standardized psychosocial intervention aiming at improving the health-related quality of life (Hr-Qol) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and caregivers. A randomized controlled trial was performed to assess its effectiveness. Sixty-four PD patients and 46 caregivers were allocated to either the intervention group (PEPP) or the control group (usual care). The intervention consisted of eight weekly sessions of 90-minute duration. Assessments were performed on psychosocial problems (BELA-P/A-k), Hr-Qol (PDQ-39/EQ-5D) and depression (SDS) at baseline and one week after the end of the PEPP. Participants rated their mood on a visual analogue scale before and after each session. A significant effect for the caregivers on psychosocial problems and need for help was found and a trend for significance for patients' quality of life. Patients' and caregivers' mood improved significantly after each session. This study provides indications that PD patients and caregivers benefit from the PEPP.