Medicines management is crucial in the care of the patient with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) when they are admitted to hospital, either electively or in an emergency.
Missed or delayed doses can impair patients’ swallow, increase their risk of aspiration, render them immobile and prone to falls and fractures, and at worst, progress to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, which can lead to coma or death.
In hospitalised patients, administration of contraindicated medications has been shown to increase length
of hospital stay and mortality. Patients are also more susceptible to hallucinations, mental status changes and nausea, symptoms that are typically treated with anti-dopaminergic medications.
IMSN Safety Alert 1: Reducing Harm from Omitted & Delayed Parkinson’s Disease Medications in Hospital September 2024
IMSN Safety Alert 2: Contraindicated Medications in Parkinson’s Disease. November 2024