To describe adherence to American Academy of Neurology (AAN) quality measures for Parkinson’s Disease (PD), identify topics where primary care providers (PCP) assist, and explore areas where gaps remain.

The myriad non-motor manifestations of PD (e.g., depression and sleep disturbances) are often ignored, even at specialist centers. The AAN published a list of quality metrics (QMs) to aid practitioners in addressing these important domains.

This was a retrospective analysis utilizing data from the electronic health record. Patients with PD (confirmed by a movement disorders specialist) from an internal medicine clinic in the Pacific Northwest with at least one PCP and one neurology visit from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 were included. Charts were reviewed for clear discussion of the following domains: motor complications, rehabilitation referral, exercise counseling, anxiety, apathy, depression, psychosis, impulse control disorders (ICDs), sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, autonomic dysfunction, falls, and advance care planning. Descriptive analyses were conducted.

Eighty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) number of QMs assessed was 8.9 (2.0). The most common QMs met were motor complications (89%), rehab referrals (93%), falls (94%), and autonomic dysfunction (92%) whereas the lowest were apathy (13%), ICD (13%), anxiety (55%), and psychosis (56%). Neurologists adequately documented an average of 6.7 QMs. PCPs, on average, added 2.3 unique QMs. The biggest gains from PCP involvement were made in advance care planning (9 vs. 45), depression (41 vs. 77), and exercise counseling (39 vs. 59).

This study suggests an opportunity to improve the quality of care provided by neurologists among patients with PD. This can be partially supplemented by engagement with PCPs. Future research is needed to determine if QM adherence leads to meaningful patient-reported outcomes.