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. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved