title: Management of levodopa for residents with Parkinson's disease.
abstract: This article discusses the management of levodopa for older people who have Parkinson's disease and live in nursing homes. It provides a detailed description of the diagnostic criteria and motor and non-motor clinical features. Against this clinical picture, the benefits and challenges of levodopa management are considered. A person-centred approach is championed, as it supports collaborative clinical assessment and decision making between nurses and residents. To appreciate why a person-centred approach is important for safe and effective medication practice, the pharmacological basis of levodopa management is explained. An empowerment approach to medication management is advocated that facilitates self-medication by residents. To this end, the importance of continuing professional development for nursing home staff is discussed.
authors: Department of Healthcare, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Mages
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care
chemical_list: D007980:Levodopa
keywords: Parkinson’s disease; levodopa; medication management; nursing homes; older people; person-centred care