Improving the dialog between patients and clinicians through detailed symptom data

With the current practice of treating patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) through in-person clinical examination, clinicians have only a limited amount of time available for observing and examining the patients and are heavily relying on patient reporting for symptoms and overall well-being.

Factors impacting communication with patients

Cognitive impairment, such as memory problems, executive dysfunction, and difficulty with attention and concentration, may affect the patients’ ability to recall the experienced symptoms and document them in a symptom diary or report them during the clinic appointment. Many patients also face difficulties describing their symptoms and might over- or under-estimate the severity of the self-perceived motor symptoms.

But also emotional and psychological factors, including depression, anxiety, and apathy might influence the patients’ willingness and ability to communicate and engage in discussion with the clinician during the clinic appointment. Environmental factors, such as the unfamiliar surroundings in the clinic can further exacerbate communication difficulties for patients, making it challenging for them to focus and engage effectively during appointments.

In addition, the disease can also impact the way patients can communicate through speech and facial expression making it more challenging for patients to articulate their needs and concerns and for clinicians to interpret nonverbal cues and expressions during communication.

Accurate symptom data supporting effective patient communication

Accurate and detailed data about the patients’ symptoms provides a strong foundation for effective communication between patients and clinicians, and also caretakers.

First of all, monitoring the patients’ symptoms at home over a longer period of time releases patients from the burden of remembering to record and describe their symptoms.

But even more important, measuring the patients’ motor symptoms gives the clinician a detailed overview of the symptoms and an accurate picture of the patients’ condition. The measured symptom data presented in an easy-to-read report builds the basis for a meaningful dialogue with the patient.

Based on the symptom report, the clinician and patient can have a coherent and value-adding conversation about the patients’ symptoms and overall well-being. Instead of asking about how the patient has overall been doing since the last appointment, the clinician can now ask more detailed questions for clarification about certain symptoms.

This way, patients also get more clarity about their current condition and can become more involved in managing the disease, resulting in better adherence to the treatment plan.

This data-driven approach to managing PD and more efficient communication between patients and clinicians supports the development of highly personalized treatment plans to better handle motor symptoms and reduce unwanted drug-related complications, ultimately improving the quality of life for the patients.

Learn more about Adamant Health’s measurement and analysis service.