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Equipping patients: A life-changing procedure explained Complex, sophisticated medical procedures can be difficult to understand and hard to visualise. Having them explained and demonstrated beforehand can be hugely beneficial. OnWorld Parkinson’s Day we released a video featuring Kiwi neurologist Dr Viswas Dayal, who shared his expert knowledge of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – a procedure that can have life-changing impact. DBS uses a surgically implanted, battery- operated device to send electrical signals to areas in the brain that control movement. It can help control Parkinson’s movement symptoms when medication alone is not enough. In 2016, Viswas carried out research into DBS and Parkinson’s disease at University College London on a Neurological Foundation Chapman Fellowship, and later brought his expertise back to New Zealand. The video has been viewed over 1,100 times. Viewer numbers are steadily growing, and feedback has been extremely positive. Viswas says it’s a helpful tool that’s had real impact in clinic. “Patients have come to their appointments equipped with much better knowledge about the procedure. This means we can have better engagement and talk more deeply about the procedure because I don’t have to start from scratch,” he says. “Their loved ones are also more informed, which helps to ease their concerns.” Along with a link to the video, Viswas distributed DBS referral guidelines to health professionals across Aotearoa. Two patients fromDunedin were referred to him soon after, when local doctors realised their patients might be eligible. The number of referrals in the past year from other smaller centres has also increased. Those patients have come to their appointments armed with specific questions based on the video, says Viswas. Specialist Parkinson’s nurses as well as family doctors across Aotearoa now knowmore about the procedure. Even neurologists have found the video educational. Our Chair in Clinical Neurology, Professor Alan Barber, said: “It is great. It explains the procedure really well and is a useful resource to share with patients.” Dr Viswas Dayal with his patient, Stephen, who generously agreed to feature in the video. “Best explanation for anyone wanting to know about DBS surgery.” Viewer feedback Watch the video here: bit.ly/DeepBrainNF  30 31