Objective: To explore the unmet needs in patient-physician communication from different perspective.To explore the unmet needs in patient-physician communication from different perspective.

Background: Patient-physician communication is a key element to achieve an optimal Parkinson’s disease (PD) management. Few preliminary studies evaluated the impact of a successful communication on health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Method: We recruited four patients, three caregivers and three PD-specialists from three different European countries. Patients and caregivers completed a digital survey, an additional 8-days digital diary and were, thereafter, interviewed. Neurologists underwent a digital survey and an interview and discussed the data coming from patients and caregivers.

Results: Patients and caregivers pointed out the need for a more frequent and empathic communication. This was also shared by Neurologists, who added the need to have more time for routine patients’ visits. Furthermore, communication should be stepwise for Neurologists, while an immediate and complete communication was requested by patients and caregivers. The most difficult topics to align between investigated populations were: PD symptoms spectrum explanation (especially motor fluctuations), adverse events management, treatment alternatives and non-pharmacological/mixed management strategies.

Conclusion: This analysis suggests that a more manageable and empathic patient-physician communication is pivotal for patient, caregiver but also for clinicians. Future solutions should be tailored to individual patients for supporting them throughout the care journey and allowing physicians to thoroughly evaluate signs and progress of PD in each visit. A more detailed study will further clarify how to improve patient-doctor communication.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/exploring-patient-physician-communication-in-parkinsons-disease-management-a-qualitative-analysis/