Fight Parkinson’s online Learning Hub goes live
Aug. 21, 2022
Fight Parkinson’s has launched a new online learning platform, substantially growing access to Parkinson’s education and improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s.
The Fight Parkinson's Learning Hub will ensure everyone living with Parkinson’s has free access to the same quality, evidence-based information about the condition no matter where they live.
The Hub will also host education programs for the healthcare sector, including a specialist online education program for registered nurses (RNs) and personal care assistants (PCAs) working in aged care.
The initiative has been developed to substantially enhance access to education to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson's.
It will house online, on demand education programs for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s (PSP, MSA and CBS), as well as the healthcare professionals who care for them.
All community-based education programs are provided free of charge, further benefitting those diagnosed with the condition.
“We know that one of the best ways we can help our community is to empower them with knowledge and build their capacity to manage their condition and make informed choices.” said Fight Parkinson’s CEO, Emma Collin.
“Removing time and geographical boundaries to education benefits not only people living with Parkinson’s, but those working in health, who we’re keen to upskill in Parkinson’s care.”
Community learning
Understanding Parkinson's is a course designed to help family, friends, colleagues and carers understand the condition and how it impacts a person living with it.
The Recently Diagnosed program is the first of its kind in Australia and is based on information provided in the popular Fight Parkinson’s Recently Diagnosed seminars.
It includes information on common motor and non-motor symptoms and how to manage them. The program also covers treatment options, the benefits of creating a multi-disciplinary team to support you and information to help people live well with Parkinson’s.
Although developed for those recently diagnosed and their families, the program is also a valuable resource for those already living with Parkinson's.
“People will be able to watch and learn in their own time and at their own pace. Offering free online education means anyone can access the information they need, regardless of their personal circumstances,” Emma said.
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Aged Care
UP TO 8% OF THE POPULATION IN AGED CARE ARE LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S. *
The market leading Aged Care education program was designed in conjunction with Fight Parkinson’s subject matter experts to build the skills and capability of the aged care workforce caring for patients and residents with Parkinson’s.
“Parkinson’s is one of the most challenging diseases to manage due to its chronic, progressive nature, complicated and diverse motor and non-motor symptoms specific to each individual and limited management options,” Emma said.
“Getting medication on time is vital in helping manage symptoms, but we know from feedback and calls to our health line, that many working in the sector need to build knowledge and skills in PD,” she said.
The initial training program has been developed for registered nurses (RNs) and personal care assistants (PCAs) working in aged care. It focuses on Parkinson’s care, with Atypical Parkinson’s (PSP, MSA and CBS) content planned for development at a later stage.
It is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based Parkinson’s-friendly care. Care staff learn key signs and symptoms and practical ways they can support the person living with Parkinson’s.
Upskilling aged care workers' knowledge around Parkinson’s-specific care will also help improve some of the shortfalls we've identified in our submission to the Aged Care Royal Commission, particularly around nutrition, restraint, dementia and palliative care.
“The aim is to leave aged care staff with an overview of the many facets of Parkinson’s and an understanding that the residents they care do not fit in one box, with one solution. As a result, we hope to see residents experience a better quality of life,” Emma said.
The Aged Care Training program is being sold to aged care providers and individually to RNs and PCAs working in an Aged Care setting.
* Goetz, C G and Stebbins, G T, Mortalityadn halluncinations in nursing home patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease in Neurology, 1995, p. 669-71
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For more information, you can email us at info@fightparkinsons.org.au
Interested in using our Learning Hub for your organisation? You can call our reception line (03) 8809 0400 or email us at info@fightparkinsons.org.au
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