5th Edition of International Neurology Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: The Get it on time campaign by Parkinson's UK was published based on an audit in 2015. It showed that 63% of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) did not always get their medication on time.1 PD medications have short half-lives; therefore, as the dose wears off, patients may experience symptoms such as freezing and motor fluctuations. To avoid this, their medication should be given at specific times. There is a current review of the regional Nil by Mouth (NBM) guidelines to create a standardised guideline.

Objective: To assess whether PD patients get their medication on time and check compliance with the Trust’s NBM guidelines.

Methods: Part 1 - Data was collected retrospectively for all PD patients (n=40) admitted from December 2019 to January 2020. Patients were identified using coding data, and hospital notes were reviewed using eRecord. Day cases and outpatients were excluded. Part 2 - Patients who became NBM (n=10) between September 2019 and January 2020 were identified and reviewed using coding and input from Pharmacy. Hospital notes were accessed via eRecord.

Results: It was found that 39% of patients were given their medication on time ¾ of the time, and only 6% of patients received their medicines on time every time. An Optimal or PD med calculator was used in 50% of NBM inpatients.

Conclusion: Within a 30-minute window, medication is still not given on time. The NBM guidelines were followed for most patients; however, the accuracy of this assessment is limited by inadequate documentation.

References: 1. Parkinsons.org.uk. (2020). Get It On Time | Parkinson's UK. [online] Available at: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/get-it-time [Accessed 5 Feb. 2020]