Remotely Assessing Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease Using Videoconferencing: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the feasibility of assessing a person's symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) in their home using the videoconferencing technology they already possess, without a home visit. Method. Eleven participants with PD completed the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) face-to-face and then via videoconferencing within a two-week period. Participants used free software and the computers and webcams available at their home to complete the videoconference assessment with a clinical rater scoring remotely. Clinical raters and participants provided feedback on the experience. Results. Excluding rigidity and postural stability, between zero and seven items could not be completed in the assessment of each participant (median 2.0, IQR 1.0–4.0). Between face-to-face and videoconference assessments, the median difference in scores was 3.0 (IQR 1.5–9.0). Content analysis of feedback identified the clinical raters' reasons why some scoring could not be completed and the participants' hope for future clinical application. Conclusions. In using free everyday technology available in participants' homes, MDS-UPDRS ratings could be obtained without an initial home visit; however some items were unable to be scored for some participants. Use of a protocol or technological advances are likely to reduce missing items.

Management of Advanced Therapies in Parkinson's Disease Patients in Times of Humanitarian Crisis: The COVID‐19 Experience

“…46 Another benefit of asynchronous telemedicine is that videos can be obtained for patients experiencing paroxysmal movement disorders. Nevertheless, for many people with PD, videoconferencing is widely accessible and can provide clinicians with useful motor and nonmotor assessments of patient symptoms 49,50 and is also approved of by patients. 51 Video assessments of parkinsonian symptoms or dyskinesias are helpful.…”

Remote Administration of the MDS-UPDRS in the Time of COVID-19 and Beyond

“…Direct comparison of in-home, video-based versus in-person administration of the modified UPDRS motor demonstrated moderate overall agreement [8]. In a small study that compared in-person and videobased modified MDS-UPDRS motor assessment, median difference in scores was 3.0 (IQR 1.5-9.0) [12]. Of concern, lower extremity tremor could not be assessed in 10/11 participants.…”

Tackling the Burden of Neurological Diseases in Canada with Virtual Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

“…The neurological examination is completed by following standard protocols adopted in other teleneurology settings like stroke and Parkinson's disease. [15][16][17] Patients are advised to record their blood pressure at home. The medication reconciliation is done by verifying the medications at home against a medication list obtained from the pharmacy prior to the eVisits.…”