Evidence-Based Pharmacist Care (Clinical, Economic, and Humanistic Impact): Parkinson Diseases

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that presents a significant clinical, economic, and humanistic burden. This chapter highlights the essential role of evidence-based pharmacist care in PD management. Clinically, pharmacists contribute to the prevention of drug-induced parkinsonism, early recognition of symptoms, and comprehensive medication therapy management. Their interventions improve disease control, reduce complications, and enhance adherence through patient counseling and regimen optimization. Economically, pharmacists help decrease treatment costs by promoting medication adherence, reducing unnecessary polypharmacy, recommending generic or therapeutic alternatives, and preventing hospitalizations related to adverse drug events. From a humanistic perspective, pharmacists enhance patients’ quality of life by minimizing symptoms, improving health literacy, supporting medication adherence, and addressing patient concerns. Their frequent, accessible interactions with patients foster trust, engagement, and satisfaction with care. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the indispensable role of pharmacists in interdisciplinary teams, and how their contributions lead to better clinical outcomes, cost savings, and enhanced patient-centered care for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.