A new virtual network will provide care for Parkinson’s Disease patients statewide in New York, according to an announcement.
Participants in the Parkinson’s Disease Care, New York (PDCNY) program will be linked through a secure web-based teleconferencing system to specialists at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
It’s expected to treat as many as 500 underserved patients, many who may have never seen a specialist before.
Physicians and nurses will develop care plans for each participant and make referrals to other services such as speech, occupational and physical therapists. There will be no charge for virtual visits, thanks to grants from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation and the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, the announcement said.
The program also will make use of an iPhone application developed using Apple’s ResearchKit that employs sensors that track factors such as dexterity, voice fluctuations, balance, gait and memory.
Rochester researchers have found high demand for virtual care among Parkinson’s patients and are taking part in a study funded by Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute on providing remote Parkinson’s care nationwide.
To learn more:
- read the announcement