How did your doctor inform you that you have Parkinson’s?

An interesting new study has been published about the need for compassion from medical professionals when delivering the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. The majority of people have really poor experiences when learning they have the disease. Neurologists are often harsh in delivering the message, which changes people and their families' lives forever. Also, in the majority of cases, people with Parkinson's are put on medications right away and are not informed about the benefits of self-care. Now, scientists have conducted a study and provided evidence that this approach needs to change. The benefit of showing compassion and informing patients during the first meeting about exercises, diet, and alternative therapies tremendously benefits patients for many years in better managing their symptoms. Delivering a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) with care and compassion requires both solid medical expertise and emotional sensitivity as it is devastating for many to receive this news. Clinical guidelines emphasize that a diagnosis of PD should be made by a movement disorders specialist (MDS) [[1]]. This is primarily based on their expertise in making an accurate diagnosis and to initiate the most appropriate treatment. However [[2]], in the current medical landscape, access to an MDS is not always possible and the initial suspected diagnosis may be made by other health professionals such as the primary care physician or community neurologist. Whilst the diagnosis may have been suspected by some people, e.g., family, friends, colleagues, with symptoms preceding the diagnosis for several years, it is typically confirmed by the medical specialist. For some, it may be the first time that a person experiencing symptoms hears about PD as the likely underlying diagnosis. The diagnosing clinician is the person who will deliver the life changing information of a disease that is chronic, progressive, and associated with numerous symptoms and long-term disability, which commonly elicits fear and uncertainty in the person receiving the news. Because of the significant emotional impact, many patients vividly remember their diagnosis and how it was delivered many years later. Being mindful of the shock of this diagnosis and how the information is delivered while considering what patients find difficult or comforting in the messaging is, therefore, the key to providing the best possible experience for patients at this crucial time.