Improving diagnostic and care pathways in PSP and CBD

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Improving diagnostic and care pathways in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)

  • IRAS ID

    230579

  • Contact name

    Diane Swallow

  • Contact email

    diane.swallow@abdn.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Aberdeen

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are rare, rapidly disabling, degenerative brain diseases. Despite patients reporting difficulties in receiving their diagnosis and obtaining appropriate care, there has been little research into how well PSP and CBD are diagnosed and managed, and how this could be improved.

    We will identify and invite current patients with PSP/CBD across Scotland to participate in this study to:(a) collect information about how they were diagnosed, delays in diagnosis, and identify any missed diagnostic opportunities; (b) assess whether new physical and memory scales, and brain imaging could help diagnose PSP/CBD earlier; (c) collect information on their disease severity and assess whether they have received the right multidisciplinary care to meet these needs; (d) assess what daily activities they can and cannot do alone to determine if these could measure disease progression. Carers will also be invited to participate because recognising and supporting the needs of carers may influence their ability to cope, and in turn support their family members with PSP/CBD.

    Our study will benefit patients with PSP/CBD by telling us: (a) the extent and cause of difficulties in making the correct diagnosis allowing us to target the right health professionals with education; (b) whether new scales or imaging techniques should be used in clinics to help diagnosis; (c) whether the PSP Association care pathway is being followed and if not which areas need improvement; (d) how patients (and carers) fare over time so we understand more about their needs and assess new ways of measuring disease progression to help in future treatment trials.

  • REC name

    Scotland A: Adults with Incapacity only

  • REC reference

    17/SS/0102

  • Date of REC Opinion

    28 Aug 2017

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion