Every 27 minutes, someone in Australia is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a condition primarily known for its tremors and movement issues. However, a lesser-known, yet equally challenging symptom is persistent pain. New research from the University of South Australia highlights the struggle many Australians with Parkinson’s face in managing this pain, calling for more personalized, multidisciplinary, and empathetic care.
The research, which included two studies assessing pain management strategies and experiences of pain care services among Parkinson’s patients, revealed significant gaps in support. Many individuals resort to trial-and-error methods due to a lack of tailored clinical care, underscoring the need for improvement.
Understanding the Pain of Parkinson’s
In Australia, over 65,000 people with Parkinson’s disease endure persistent pain. Lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Anthony Mezzini emphasizes the urgent need to enhance pain care quality for these individuals.
“Pain is a prevalent and debilitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s. It’s one of the most troublesome issues in early-stage Parkinson’s and a leading cause of reduced quality of life,” Mezzini states.
Mezzini notes that patients often rely on trial-and-error approaches not by choice, but due to limited access to specialist pain support and tailored advice. When pain management is effective, it is often due to healthcare professionals, particularly allied health practitioners and Parkinson’s nurses, who take the time to listen and tailor care to individual needs.
Key Features of Effective Pain Care
Researchers identified five key features that shape patients’ experiences of pain care: empathy and understanding, attentive listening, clear explanations, Parkinson’s-specific knowledge, and individualized treatment. However, these qualities are inconsistently applied across the healthcare system. Patients report mixed feedback regarding the support from general practitioners and neurologists, with significant access barriers in rural and regional areas.
The Role of Multidisciplinary Care
UniSA’s researcher and Parkinson’s Nurse Dr. Sue Sharrad advocates for greater access to multidisciplinary care and enhanced training for healthcare providers to improve pain management for Parkinson’s patients.
“Embedding empathetic, individualized care into routine practice – and expanding access to Parkinson’s nurses and allied health professionals – could make a real difference,” Dr. Sharrad asserts.
Dr. Sharrad highlights the praise often received by Parkinson’s specialist nurses and allied health professionals for their high level of care. She stresses the importance of ensuring that every person with Parkinson’s receives pain care that is tailored, evidence-based, and delivered by professionals who understand the complex nature of Parkinson’s pain.
Implications for the Future
The findings of this research form part of UniSA’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals living with neurological conditions. The multidisciplinary research team, including Anthony Mezzini, Prof. Saravana Kumar, Dr. Sue Sharrad, Dr. Joanne Harmon, and Prof. Marion Eckert, aims to drive changes in how pain management is approached for Parkinson’s patients.
The move towards more personalized, coordinated, and compassionate care could significantly enhance the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s. By addressing the pain management gap, healthcare providers can help people with Parkinson’s live better, less painful lives.
As this research continues to unfold, it is hoped that the insights gained will lead to tangible improvements in the healthcare system, ensuring that all Australians with Parkinson’s receive the support and care they need.
