Mnemonic improves perception of DBS outcome in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease patients who have deep brain stimulation (DBS) are sometimes disappointed after surgery because they develop unrealistic notions of what sort of outcome is achievable. A report in The Neurologist shows how one clinical team used a simple mnemonic device to help patients become more satisfied with the treatment."It has been our experience that well-screened patients who eventually receive DBS devices frequently have an unrealistic expectation of outcome. We have seen patients who have had significant and meaningful improvements in PD symptoms, but are disappointed or despondent over a failure of the device to meet a preconceived 'perfect' outcome," write Michael Okun and Kelly Foote from the University of Florida.To address this, the University team introduced a simple mnemonic device using the initials "DBS IN PD" to remind patients that the technique "Does not cure," that "Bilateral DBS is often needed" and so on. The mnemonic can be taught and then reviewed with patients and families both before and after surgery, they suggest. "We teach patients the mnemonic and review it with them many times both before and after surgery," the authors write. "We have found that most patients, even those who are well educated and well informed by their treating physicians, will have an unrealistic expectation about outcome unless we intervene and take an active role in their education. The use of this mnemonic device may allow patients and family time to alter the perception of perceived benefit prior to surgery.""This education can help to assure that outcome meets or exceeds expectation, and consequently we end up with a more satisfied and easy-to-manage patient," they conclude.Reference...