ParkinsonNet
Improving the lives of people with parkinson's around the world. That is the goal of as many as 3,000 healthcare professionals affiliated to ParkinsonNet. "With innovative technology and specialist treatments, we are making the patient himself expert," they say.
Parkinson's disease is a complex condition. People have increasing difficulty with several daily activities, such as walking, dressing, speaking or eating. "They are generic symptoms, but they require specialist treatment and collaboration between multiple, different healthcare disciplines. Network care is the future to realise this," says Bas Bloem, professor of neurological movement disorders at Radboudumc and co-founder of ParkinsonNet. Together with colleague Marten Munneke, he started ParkinsonNet from Nijmegen in 2004. Now the network has grown to 3,000 healthcare professionals in 68 regions in the Netherlands.
Reinier Postlaan 4, 6525 GC Nijmegen
+31 024 361 4701Innovative care concept
ParkinsonNet participates in international research and, together with experts, develops guidelines, treatment methods and training. For patients, this results in better and cheaper treatment. Treatment costs are reduced by 20 to 30 million euros per year. "This is also because we share our knowledge with patients, for example via Parkinson's TV and via online communities. Patient expertise bears fruit. One example: our physiotherapists are trained to deliver a special treatment that improves walking and balance, thus reducing patients' risk of falling. The effect of this method is huge: 50% fewer hip fractures since 2004. The great thing is that patients can apply the methodology themselves at home and therefore do not have to go to the physiotherapist for weekly treatment."
ParkinsonNet as an export product
The results of ParkinsonNet have not gone unnoticed abroad. "Networks are also being started in Germany, California and Norway. And soon also in Luxembourg and Sweden and I could go on and on. ParkinsonNet has become a Dutch export product! We are keen to share our formula and are therefore now working on a kind of practical guide for starting networks for other chronic conditions. This way, we inspire similar initiatives to improve the lives of people with parkinson's or other disorders."