What: This study will look at patient experiences of Parkinson’s as a younger/middle-aged adult (between 21-65 years). It aims to explore how individuals cope with the psychological challenges of their condition, the impact of their interactions with healthcare professionals, and how these factors relate to their age.
This study will use a survey of eleven questions, using an online form. Responses will then be analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) in order to understand:
- The illness experience in the context of the atypical age of onset
- The ways in which patients learn to cope with Parkinson’s
- How important patients consider information about Parkinson’s during diagnosis
- Patient’s thoughts on the role that healthcare professionals play in providing this information and involving patients in the diagnostic process
Who: Participants should have a medical diagnosis for Parkinson’s (received after they were 21 years old); be between 21 and 65 years old; not suffer from any cognitive or physical difficulties that would prevent them from being able to answer questions through an online form.
Read the Information Sheet for further details