Are Virtual Objective Assessments of Fall‐Risk Feasible and Safe for People with Parkinson's Disease?
Mitra Afshari, Andrea V. Hernandez, Jorik Nonnekes, Bastiaan R. Bloem, Christopher G. Goetz
Abstract
Background: Falls are inherent to Parkinson's disease (PD) progression, and risk assessment is mandatory for optimal long term management. Objective: (RTT)-is feasible and safe. Methods: Following in-clinic training, 15 people with Hoehn and Yahr Stage 2 (n = 8) and 3 (n = 7) PD, median MoCA score 25 (range 14-29), and subjective freezing-of-gait (n = 13), participated in four televisits with care partners biweekly for 10 weeks where virtual FTSTS/RTT assessments were performed. Results: Participants completed all protocol-driven 120 virtual FTSTS and 60 RTT assessments with effective ratability (feasibility) and zero adverse events (safety). 22% virtual FTSTS and 55% RTT met criteria for high fall-risk designation. Conclusions: Objective fall-risk assessment with virtual FTSTS and RTT through telehealth among HY2-3 PD patients, with varying motor and cognitive function, is feasible and safe following introductory in-clinic training.