Satisfaction with Videoconferencing Support for Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel: an Observational Study

Background Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is a continuously delivered Parkinson's disease therapy intended to stabilize plasma levodopa levels. Patients receiving LCIG require education and follow-up. Some LCIG support programs use video-assisted telenursing. Objective To examine how videoconferencing impacts satisfaction with LCIG support programs. Methods FACILITATE CARE (Feasibility of video-Assisted Care for Intestinal Levodopa Infusion with Telenursing – observAtional Trial Evaluating patient and Caregiver Acceptance in REal life) was a 12-week, prospective, open-label, 2-arm, parallel-group, observational study assessing satisfaction with LCIG support in patients who self-assigned to video or audio-only arms. Patients aged 18–85 years had completed LCIG titration and owned a videoconferencing device (video arm only). A visual analog scale measured satisfaction (1–10, 10 being most satisfied). Results Patients’ mean (standard deviation) ages were 67.9 (7.4, n = 26) and 71.1 (6.2, n = 15) years in the video and audio arms, respectively. Patients, caregivers, and physicians in both groups reported satisfaction scores of 8–10 with LCIG support personnel, communication access, and assistance with becoming independent. At week 12, the Modified Caregiver Strain Index least square means change from baseline was lower in the video vs. audio arm (−2.3 [1.0] vs. 1.6 [1.2]). LCIG support personnel travel time was lower in the video vs. audio arm (125.7 [70.2] vs. 203.0 [70.0] minutes). Conclusions LCIG support programs are associated with high patient, caregiver, and physician satisfaction; video and audioconferencing satisfaction are similarly high. Video-assisted telenursing may be a convenient communication avenue and may reduce caregiver burden. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04500106.