H24 Coordination of care among physical therapists and neurologists in Huntington's disease. (12th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fritz, Nora; Kegelmeyer, Deborah; Rao, Ashwini; Quinn, Lori; Nance, Martha; Kloos, Anne
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 93(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A71
• Page End: A71
• Publication Date: 2022-09-12
• Subjects: Interdisciplinary -- Coordinated Care -- Communication -- Neurology -- Physiotherapy; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-ehdn.188
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Interdisciplinary care teams for people with Huntington's disease (HD) consist of neurologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, geneticists and/or genetic counselors, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, dieticians, social workers, and nurses who provide patient-centered, comprehensive evaluations and make recommendations for pharmacological, healthcare and lifestyle interventions based on best available evidence. Such recommendations are optimally guided by clinical practice guidelines, and recent publications have provided guidance for overall management as well as specific guidelines for physical therapy interventions. Physical therapists work to improve mobility using specific therapeutic interventions and individualized exercise programs. We have developed a framework to promote neurologist referrals to physiotherapy for people with HD at all disease stages, beginning in premanifest and early manifest stages. The proposed framework provides a structured approach to facilitate referrals and coordinate care through regular communication. Ongoing communication among healthcare professionals (neurologists and physiotherapists) caring for persons with HD throughout their disease course is emphasized. Resources are provided for neurologists to facilitate appropriate and timely referrals for individuals with HD to physiotherapy based on clinical practice guidelines, including a pocket referral decision guide.