Comparison of the Burdens and Attitudes Between Standard and Web-Based Remote Programming for Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson Disease: Survey Study

Abstract

Background: Remote programming enables physicians to adjust implantable pulse generators over the internet for patients with Parkinson disease who have undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Despite these technological advances, the demand for and attitudes toward remote programming compared with standard programming among patients with Parkinson disease are still not well understood. Objective: This study aims to investigate the preferences and perceptions associated with these 2 programming methods among patients with Parkinson disease through a web-based survey. Methods: A web-based survey was administered to 463 patients with Parkinson disease who have undergone DBS surgery. The survey aimed to assess the burdens associated with postoperative programming and to compare patients’ attitudes toward the 2 different programming methods. Results: A total of 225 patients completed the survey, all of whom had undergone standard programming, while 132 patients had also experienced remote programming. Among those who received standard programming, 191 (85%) patients required the support of more than 1 caregiver, 129 (58%) patients experienced over 2 days of lost work time, 98 (42%) patients incurred expenses ranging from US $42 to US $146, and 14 (6%) patients spent over US $421. Of the 132 patients who had used remote programming, 81 (62%) patients indicated a preference for remote programming in the future. However, challenges with remote programming persisted, including difficulties in obtaining official prescriptions, a lack of medical insurance coverage, and limited medical resources. Conclusions: Postoperative programming of DBS imposes significant burdens on patients and their caregivers during standard programming sessions—burdens that could be mitigated through remote programming. While patient satisfaction with remote programming is high, it is imperative for clinicians to develop personalized programming strategies tailored to the needs of different patients.