Education Programs for Patients With Parkinson's Disease Receiving Deep Brain Stimulation: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, presents a significant challenge in terms of both motor and non-motor symptom management. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) emerges as an advanced therapeutic option, showing efficacy in alleviating PD symptoms. However, the literature on educational programs tailored for patients with PD undergoing DBS remains scattered and underexplored.

Objective: This study sought to map the existing evidence on educational programs designed for patients with PD receiving DBS, highlighting the scope and nature of such interventions.

Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 extension, a scoping review was conducted. Relevant documents were identified through PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar systematic searches up to November 2024. The review examined content, delivery of educational programs, and outcomes, as well as program characteristics, materials used, and involved health care providers. A narrative synthesis was performed to integrate the findings without specific statistical tests due to the scoping nature of the review.

Results: Seven studies were included. Educational interventions demonstrated a positive impact on social adaptation, physical performance, and patient satisfaction. Notably, innovative tools such as the DBS-Edmonton app were identified as beneficial in enhancing patient autonomy and decision-making.

Conclusions: The review underscores the critical role of multidisciplinary, tailored educational interventions in supporting patients with PD undergoing DBS. Despite the promising benefits observed, the field requires further standardization and research to optimize educational strategies and to improve patient outcomes.