From the Research
The most appropriate nursing theory supporting a Nurse Practitioner's recommendation for a support group for a patient with Parkinson's disease and their spouse, alongside medication, is Martha Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings, as it emphasizes holistic care and the importance of social connections in the healing process. This theory is particularly relevant in the context of Parkinson's disease, where the patient's entire life experience and relationships are impacted by the disease. By recommending a support group, the nurse practitioner is acknowledging the complex needs of patients with Parkinson's disease and their families, and recognizing the importance of addressing these needs through a holistic approach to care 1.
Key Aspects of Support Groups for Parkinson's Disease
- Support groups provide education, emotional support, and coping strategies that complement medication management, reflecting a holistic approach to nursing care that considers the patient's entire life experience and relationships rather than focusing solely on disease management.
- The use of tele-support groups for PD caregivers is a feasible and innovative resource to address caregiver burden, as shown in a pilot study where caregivers reported improved quality of life and decreased depression 2.
- Online support groups can also be beneficial, with participants showing improved quality of life and decreased depression, particularly in homogeneous groups where patients are grouped by stage of disease 3.
Nursing Theory and Practice
The recommendation for a support group is grounded in Martha Rogers' nursing theory, which views humans as integrated wholes interacting with their environment. This theory recognizes that healing involves the whole person in continuous interaction with their environment, including social connections. By prioritizing social connections and holistic care, the nurse practitioner is providing comprehensive care that addresses the complex needs of patients with Parkinson's disease and their families. A recent study highlighting the importance of coping skills and psychosocial adjustment for patients with Parkinson's disease and their family carers further supports this approach 4.
Evidence-Based Practice
The most recent and highest quality study on this topic, published in 2023, highlights the importance of support groups for patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers, and provides practical strategies for facilitating these groups 1. This study, along with others, demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of support groups in improving quality of life and addressing caregiver burden, and provides a foundation for evidence-based practice in this area. Another study published in 2021 also emphasizes the importance of palliative care interventions, including support groups, in improving quality of life and managing end-of-life perspectives for patients with Parkinson's disease 5.