There is a need to better deliver information on medical nutrition therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Findings of a new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, published by Elsevier, show digital health serves as an additional health service resource, which increases the healthcare provider’s abilities to collect current visual and objective data, thereby decreasing patient and caregiver burden and medical expenses.
The study took place in the northeast US during home visits with individuals with PD and their caregivers. Semistructured dyadic interviews with 20 dyads (20 people with Parkinson’s disease and 20 caregivers) were conducted. Researchers used a technology acceptance model and transition theory to inform and guide their development and research. This model provides a basis for understanding external factors influencing end user perceptions, attitudes and intentions to use technology throughout usage.
The research showed that digital health platforms can successfully deliver nutrition services for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) and their caregivers by personalizing digital services to meet their needs (e.g., disease stage), clearly communicating the benefits of the digital service platforms, training people on how to effectively use the technology (while offering continuous support, when needed), and promoting social interaction with the nutrition expert and members of the PD community while using the digital platform. With the implementation of these findings, digital nutrition service platforms could improve the quality of life for those suffering with PD and their caregivers.
