Table 3.

Proposed interventions to decrease disparities in DBS

Level of intervention	Proposed interventions
Provider level	Implement provider and leadership training to increase awareness of implicit and explicit biases
	Specialized training in cultural competency and DEI
	Diverse representation among healthcare providers caring for PD patients
	Increase provider awareness of existing disparities to increase referral rates
	Introducing DBS treatment to all patients early in the decision-making process
	DBS education and structured referral guidelines for primary care providers and neurologists
Patient level	Accessible educational materials
	Individualized patient education
	Specialized digital educational materials
	Increase education among minority communities about PD and treatment options
	Increase understanding of differences in Parkinson’s symptom expression and experience
Community level	Improve access to preventive care in minority communities
	Implement community-based social or physical health programs
	Increase access to movement disorder neurologists in minority communities, ex through mobile clinics
	Implementation of community partnerships (i.e., with religious groups or barbershops)
National-level interventions	Increase research into causes of and solutions for disparities in DBS access
	Inclusion of a greater diversity of individuals in leadership of national organizations, as well as healthcare providers
	Development of official guidelines for reducing disparities in DBS access
	Increase telemedicine opportunities to those in underserved locations
	Streamlined referral process
	Increased diversity in targeted advertising
	Change reimbursement policies