Educating the experts: working with occupational therapists

This week I’ve been in sunny Brighton for the 33rd Annual Conference and Exhibition of the College of Occupational Therapists. This is the second year the Parkinson’s Disease Society has provided educational information at the event, and it is really refreshing how well it has all been received by the delegates.

We know occupational therapy is a valuable treatment for the physical effects of Parkinson's, and good therapy can really help people maintain independence with tasks like dressing, cooking and getting out and about.

Some of our recent research with therapists found that no one agreed what the best treatments were for Parkinson’s, so we approached the College of Occupational Therapists to work with us on some detailed 'Best Practice Guidelines' on Parkinson's management for professionals.

The occupational therapists I spoke to in Brighton were delighted to talk to me about their ideas for the 'Best Practice Guidelines', which they see helping them to enhance the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's. The guidelines are due to be published in late September, 2009.

Daiga Heisters is National Education Advisor at the Parkinson's Disease Society