Using Evidence-based Practice to Improve the Recognition of Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with motor disabilities, yet approximately 40% of patients suffer from nonmotor symptoms of anxiety. Failure to manage anxiety symptoms results in diminished quality of life. This situation raises the clinical question: what is the best method for assessing anxiety in patients with PD? Stetler's evidence-based practice model can be used by nurse practitioners to guide the knowledge search process to answer this clinical question. The evidence-based process search revealed that using a commonly available anxiety screening tool, like the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, could improve recognition of anxiety even in a specialty population like PD.