Interdisciplinary exchange for better Parkinson's care: The Parkinsonnetz Ostwestfalen-Lippe+ (PNOWL+) held its eighth network meeting on 26 November at the Innovation Campus Lemgo. Participants from the fields of medicine, therapy, nursing, science and care, as well as patients and their relatives, took the opportunity to exchange ideas on current approaches to Parkinson's treatment and to further develop concrete care strategies. inIT was represented as a network partner and supported the meeting by providing insights into the development of the PD Assist app.
About the Parkinson's Network East Westphalia-Lippe+
The network was initiated by Prof. Dr. Christoph Redecker (Lippe Clinic, University Clinic for Neurology and Neurogeriatrics) and other partners, including the Discrete Systems working group headed by Prof. Dr. Volker Lohweg (inIT). Together, they pursue the goal of more closely integrating expertise from medicine, therapy, nursing, science and technology, raising awareness of Parkinson's disease and facilitating opportunities for exchange and experience between all participating professionals and those affected.
Focus of the meeting: exercise, case studies and digital support
The programme was wide-ranging and combined medical, therapeutic and digital perspectives. The evening was structured around the following key topics:
- Kick Parkinson's: Kickboxing as a therapeutic approach
Beate Schönwald, Parkinson's nurse at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, demonstrated how kickboxing training can support patients. - Case conference: interdisciplinary discussions for everyday practice
The case conference was organised by Valeska Stark-Korff, occupational therapist at REHAKTIV RÜGGE. She presented a real-life care case and highlighted key therapeutic issues. - Digital support: Development status of the PD Assist app
Christoph-Alexander Holst (research group leader) and Patrick Gaudl (research assistant) from the ‘Discrete Systems’ working group headed by Prof. Dr. Volker Lohweg presented the current development status of the PD Assist app. They presented the new medication plan feature and the prototype's initial functions.
Further strengthening networking, improving care together
The topics discussed during the evening made it clear that medical, therapeutic and digital approaches must be considered together in order to improve the long-term care of people with Parkinson's disease. PNOWL+ therefore continues to focus on pooling knowledge, optimising care pathways and developing innovative solutions in a practical manner.
‘Progress in Parkinson's care can only be made when medicine, therapy, nursing and technology come together. We are delighted and proud to have created such a space with PNOWL+ and to continue expanding it.’ – Prof. Dr Volker Lohweg