Only misunderstood? The effects of Parkinson's Disease on interactions with health professionals

Abstract

Many people living with Parkinson?s disease (PWP) experience a variety of voice and swallowing difficulties as well as spontaneous movement and facial expression deficiencies. Impaired communication affects the ways in which people engage with others in a variety of settings. This paper reports on a study undertaken in New South Wales to ascertain the support needs of people with Parkinson?s disease. Responses to a 31-item survey were received from 444 people with the disease. Sixty-four per cent (n=243) reported experiencing difficulties with communication. These difficulties were compounded by participants? perceptions of a lack of understanding by health professionals about what it is like to live with this disease. The findings increase our understanding of the potential difficulties encountered by people living with Parkinson?s disease. They provide evidence of the need for health professionals to be especially sensitive to this client group in the provision of adequate time and expertise for the effective identification and management of symptoms.