Supporting people with Parkinson's in primary care

Parkinson's is a multi-system condition, and although patients will generally be under the care of a specialist team, they will often present to primary care before and after diagnosis. This article explores the role that practice nurses can play in supporting people with Parkinson's, from early identification of symptoms to ongoing management. Both motor and non-motor symptoms are discussed, including clinical priorities that may require escalation to the GP and/or specialist care, such as in cases of acute or gradual deterioration. The authors highlight that practice nurses already have many of the skills required to support people with Parkinson's – when combined with increased knowledge of the condition and practical approaches to its management, they can make a significant difference to the lives of these individuals.