Parkinson’s Disease Academy - Presentation Dinner The presentation dinner for the Parkinson’s Disease Academy’s (PDA) inaugural masterclass was held at the RCP in February. The PD Academy is a series of masterclasses run under the auspices of the PD Section of the British Geriatrics Society with the support of the Parkinson’s Disease Society and an unrestricted educational grant from Pharmacia
	Keith Krzywicki, Callum Davidson, Linda Kelly and Doug MacMahon enjoy the reception

Multidisciplinary Approach
With the increasing complexity of treatment for PD and the growing emphasis on providing an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to management, there was a need for further education and training for senior medical staff. The first course began in Cornwall in September 2002 with a further module held in the Royal Society of Medicine in January 2003. In addition to the two residential modules, the participants received mentorship and support from geriatricians and neurologists experienced in the management of PD. Most of the delegates have been consultant geriatricians who are hoping to start, or have recently started a PD service. Smaller numbers of senior specialist registrars and staff grade physicians have also taken part.

The dinner was attended by an number of graduates of the first course as well the next group of delegates who were beginning the second course. Honoured guests included Linda Kelly (Chief Executive of the Parkinson’s Disease Society), Mr Keith Krzywicki (President of Pharmacia UK Ltd), and Dr Jeremy Playfer, President Elect of the British Geriatrics Society. Master of ceremonies was Dr Doug MacMahon who, along with Dr Peter Fletcher and Sue Thomas, is the main course organiser.

Linda Kelly said, “Developing access to and quality of services for people with Parkinsons locally and nationally is one of the key aims for the Parkinsons Disease Society. The Academy is an excellent initiative in partnership. It fosters best practice, clinical mentoring and the development of clinical networks and ‘champions’ for Parkinsons Disease and related disorders both at a local and national level. We welcome this initiative and are delighted to be associated with it.”

Following the after dinner speeches, graduates were presented with their diplomas by Dr David Stewart, Chairman of the BGS PD Section. Members of the Academy’s faculty and those who had provided mentorship were also presented with a memento of the occasion.

The PD Academy has been a great success. Feedback from the first group of participants has been universally positive. We believe that this is an important initiative which, by supporting and encouraging the development of PD services, will help improve management and deliver the quality of service patients and carers desire. Demand has been such that, in addition to the second course now underway, a third is planned starting in Cornwall in September 2003, concluding March 2004.

Doug MacMahon
James Parkinson Centre

PARKINSON’S DISEASE ACADEMY
- Master class series

The PD Academy is a series of Master Classes in the management of Parkinson’s disease. It was developed when the Parkinson’s Disease Section of the BGS, responded to a need for a course for senior medical staff who wish to receive further education and training in Parkinson’s disease and its management. We believe this to be an innovative approach, and it is proving very popular. In addition to clinical skills enhancement, it offers mentorship and support, and aims to promote best practice and fulfil the clinical governance agenda in this disease area.

The aims of the programme are to: -

• enable geriatricians and general practitioners to further develop effective clinical management skills and to provide access to opportunities for personal development and learning in the management of Parkinson’s Disease;
• enable participants to develop skills in the application of a disease management model in Parkinson’s Disease;
• provide opportunities for participants to develop clinical skills across organisational boundaries;
• enable participants to critically evaluate the relationship between clinical management, the National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People and the forthcoming NSF for long term medical conditions and neurology (scheduled 2004);
• enable participants to relate theory in PD management to practice as leaders of service development and delivery in their own local areas;
• to understand and fulfil the clinical governance agenda in Parkinson’s disease

The next masterclass will take place in Cornwall in September 2003 and will conclude in London in January 2004. The course is run in two modules, Module 1 in September 2003 will look at initial diagnosis and maintenance issues in Parkinson’s Disease. Module 2 in January 2004 will take participants onto Complex management of Parkinson’s Disease and will also focus on palliative care issues.

The faculty is comprised of experienced geriatricians, neurologists and clinicians from other relevant disciplines. Between modules participants will be mentored and undertake further learning through experiential visits with their mentor and through regional master class workshops. We are grateful for the assistance of Pharmacia through the provision of an unrestricted educational grant to establish this project.

Enquiries to:
Dr. D. MacMahon
James Parkinson Centre
Camborne-Redruth Hospital
Redruth, Cornwall TR15 3ER
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