Movement Disorder Nurse Specialist Pilot Program

Our PHN has been funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health to trial a new approach to improve the quality of life of people with movement disorders.

The Movement Disorder Nurse Specialist (MDNS) pilot program will initially focus on Parkinson’s disease (because of its high prevalence) with plans to expand the program over time to cover other movement disorders.

The pilot is currently funded until June 30 2023. This project will use a co-design process. This means that people involved in delivering or receiving the new services will have a say in the design of the project. This includes individuals and families that live with Parkinson’s disease, GPs, practice nurses and AMS staff who see patients with Parkinson’s disease, and people who work in organisations that advocate for and support people with Parkinson’s disease and their families and carers.

There are many different movement disorder conditions including: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and Huntington’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a high prevalence movement disorder. It is a complex, neurodegenerative and disabling condition that requires a coordinated approach to managing the health needs of people as their disease progresses. Presenting symptoms include slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, tremor, instability, depression and anxiety. There is no known cure.

For more details on the pilot download the Evidence Profile.