Pharmacological management of patients with Parkinson's disease in the acute hospital setting: a review

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that requires a complex and patient-specific medication regimen for optimal symptom control. Hospitalisation of patients with PD involves many challenges due to lack of knowledge in PD management among hospital staff. This article presents findings of a literature review on the subject of medication management of patients with PD in the acute hospital setting. Research revealed a deficit in PD-specific expertise among hospital staff that acts as a barrier in optimal medication management. The evidence suggests that the pharmacological management of hospitalised patients with PD is far from ideal, with a high prevalence of untimely administration of PD drugs and a repeated use of medications contraindicated in PD which are likely to result in consequent poor outcome for PD patients. Education programmes to improve awareness among nurses is essential.