Objective: To determine the referral patterns of people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) to allied health from their perspective.

Background: Allied health interventions can improve impairments and quality of life in PwPD, particularly when delivered early, regularly and as a multidisciplinary team (MDT). However, allied health services are underutilized, and MDT referral rates are low.

Method: This qualitative study recruited community-dwelling people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) residing in New South Wales, Australia. The study comprised of a questionnaire, two-stage semi-structured interviews and a PD diary, that charted the course of their PD. Interview data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: 18 PwPD and 5 care partners participated, including 6 PwPD from backgrounds where English is a second language (ESL). Two participants required interpreters. PwPD experienced suboptimal access to allied health, as described by the Levesque model of healthcare access¹. The approachability and appropriateness of allied health services, as well as participant’s ability to perceive the need for services varied, with ESL participants’ English fluency further impacting this. Some participants, particularly ESL participants, found alternate or traditional medicine more acceptable. The availability of health services was limited, particularly in regional areas and for MDTs rather than single disciplines. Ability to reach was influenced by living situation and driving status, with those living alone encountering more access difficulties. Affordability and ability to pay were significant factors preventing participants starting or continuing with allied health care. Funding packages somewhat eased this burden. Participants all had the ability to seek and engage in allied health interventions.

Conclusion: Although participants recognized the need for allied health interventions, often these services were not approachable, available, appropriate or affordable. Difficulties with approachability were increased for ESL participants. Due to the progressive nature of PD, PwPD require access to regular and ongoing allied health care across their lifetime. Health systems and policy makers need to account for this when providing services.

A poster excluding ESL participant data was presented at the 18th World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation 2024. 1-6 June. Sydney, Australia.

References: 1. Levesque J-F, Harris MF, Russell G. Patient-centred access to health care: conceptualising access at the interface of health systems and populations. International Journal for Equity in Health. 2013;12(1):18. doi:10.1186/1475-9276-12-18

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/access-to-allied-health-services-by-people-living-with-parkinsons-disease-a-qualitative-study/