Provision of pain care services for people with Parkinson's disease from the perspective of healthcare providers: A qualitative descriptive study.

PURPOSE: Pain is a common, complex, and debilitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease that often requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to care. However, little is known about how healthcare providers experience and navigate pain care provision in Parkinson's disease, particularly within the Australian healthcare context. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of Australian healthcare providers involved in the management of pain in people with Parkinson's disease.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive research methodology was used to underpin this study. Healthcare providers involved in the management of pain in people with Parkinson's disease were recruited using a quota sampling strategy. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Nineteen healthcare providers participated, including five from nursing, five from neurology, five from physiotherapy, three from exercise physiology, and one from general practice. Analysis of the data resulted in six themes: (1) collaborating for holistic pain management; (2) determining etiology; (3) screening and managing the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease that interact with pain and its treatment; (4) provider focus drives nuanced pain therapy; (5) involving carers in the assessment and treatment of pain; and (6) educating patients and healthcare providers to achieve effective pain management. Within these themes, participants highlighted the central role of Parkinson's nurse specialists in coordinating care, facilitating communication across disciplines, and supporting both patients and healthcare providers through education and guidance.

CONCLUSION

This study offers the first in-depth exploration of healthcare providers' perspectives on pain care in Parkinson's disease within Australia. The findings highlight the need for a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach supported by targeted patient and healthcare provider education to enhance communication and continuity of care, with Parkinson's nurse specialists playing a pivotal role in coordinating services and serving as a resource across the care network. Strengthening these elements presents a clear pathway for advancing the provision of pain care services in people with Parkinson's disease.

REPORTING METHOD: Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guidelines.