Date of Completion
Fall 2026
Document Type
DNP Scholarly Project
Academic Department
School of Nursing
Degree Type
Doctoral
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
First Advisor
Lydia Forsythe, PhD, MA, MSN, RN, CNOR
Second Advisor
Melanie Brewer, DNSc, RN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, FAANP
Third Advisor
Amanda Graham, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, AMB-BC
Abstract
Problem: Patients with Parkinson's disease require coordinated interdisciplinary care to manage complex motor, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms. Prior to implementation of a multidisciplinary clinic model, care delivery occurred through multiple separate specialty appointments, creating challenges related to care coordination and continuity. Although appointment adherence exceeded organizational benchmarks, the organization lacked formal evidence regarding the clinic's operational effectiveness and utilization.
Aim of the Project: The aim of this summative program evaluation was to assess appointment adherence, clinic utilization, and operational performance of an established multidisciplinary neurology clinic serving adults with Parkinson's disease. Findings were intended to inform organizational decisions regarding program refinement, resource allocation, and continued implementation.
Review of the Evidence: A review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2026 supported multidisciplinary care models as effective approaches for improving care coordination, patient engagement, interdisciplinary communication, quality of life, and operational efficiency among individuals with Parkinson's disease. Evidence also supported the importance of evaluating program performance and sustainability over time.
Project Design: This summative program evaluation was guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Program Evaluation Framework. A logic model was used to align program resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes with evaluation measures. Retrospective and prospective scheduling data were analyzed to evaluate appointment adherence, no-show and cancellation rates, and clinic utilization.
Intervention: The evaluation examined an established multidisciplinary clinic model that consolidated neurology, advanced practice, rehabilitation, and supportive services into a coordinated single-visit experience for adults with Parkinson's disease. Operational outcomes associated with the existing clinic model were assessed using organizational scheduling and utilization data.
Significant Findings/Outcomes: During the evaluation period, 212 multidisciplinary visits were completed with an appointment adherence rate of 96.8%, exceeding the established benchmark of 90%. Clinic utilization reached 67% of available appointment capacity. No-show and cancellation rates remained low, indicating sustained patient engagement among scheduled participants. Findings supported continued operation of the multidisciplinary clinic while identifying opportunities to improve utilization of available appointment capacity.
Implications for Nursing: Findings support multidisciplinary specialty care models as an effective approach for maintaining high appointment adherence and supporting ongoing patient engagement among individuals with Parkinson's disease. Program evaluation findings can inform quality improvement initiatives, operational decision-making, resource allocation, and future evaluation of multidisciplinary neurological care programs.
Recommended Citation
Naumann, Krista, "Program Evaluation of a Parkinson’s Multidisciplinary Clinic to Enhance Neurological Care" (2026). All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects. 97.
https://fuse.franklin.edu/dnp-project/97
Rights
Copyright, all rights reserved
Included in
Health and Medical Administration Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Other Nursing Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons
