Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) champions holistic care for people with Parkinson’s disease. We are dedicated to empowering individuals in living well and independently with the support of a specialized healthcare team. PSBC prioritizes the education and development of healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care for those with Parkinson’s. Through a multidisciplinary approach, allied healthcare professionals (AHCPs) can improve quality of life and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system by reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.
The Society has initiated programs, including funding pilot positions that support holistic care and providing scholarships for professionals to expand their knowledge of Parkinson’s disease. We also offer train-the-trainer programs, where qualified experts teach other like-minded professionals evidence-based treatment methodologies, particularly in the area of exercise. This approach broadens access to Parkinson’s-specific therapies across the province.
Below, you can find more details about these initiatives and other resources for healthcare professionals caring for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Resources
PD Connect®
This program allows healthcare professionals to refer people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones to support services available through PSBC (such as counselling/consultations, educational workshops/events, printed resources, and more).
Pathways
Issued twice per year, this e-publication for healthcare professionals provides information to expand knowledge of Parkinson’s disease.
Comprehensive Care Plan Checklist
This checklist can help patients track symptoms, start conversations, or guide them to appropriate services. It may also help patients manage their own disease.
Continuing Education Bursary Program
The Society aims to provide opportunities for individuals who wish to pursue a career involving Parkinson’s disease through our Continuing Education Scholarship Program for Exercise Instructors & Healthcare Professionals. This scholarship was established to assist people who have a passion to gain Parkinson’s-specific training and bring these benefits to the British Columbia Parkinson’s community.
Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise
RACE, Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise, is an innovative model of shared care, where primary care providers can call one phone number and choose from a selection of specialty services (including Parkinson’s experts) for real-time telephone advice. A RACE telephone call is routed directly to the specialist’s cell phone or pager for “just in time” advice.
Family physicians can call 604-696-2131 or 1-877-696-2131.
Lending Library
The lending library is a collection of resources available to members of Parkinson Society British Columbia, as well as healthcare professionals, at no charge. Books, DVDs, CDs, and other media items can be borrowed for a period of time and then returned to the Society.
We offer resources and support
Every person touched by Parkinson’s deserves to know that they are not alone in their journey. Learn more about the resources and support we offer.