Travel health needs and experiences of people living with Parkinson’s disease and their carers: an exploratory qualitative study
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background
Travel is an important contributor to quality of life, independence and social participation. For people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), however, travel can pose unique health and logistical challenges. Despite the increasing emphasis on health-related quality of life in PD management, little is known about the travel needs of people living with PD. This study explored the travel experiences, needs, attitudes and practices of people living with PD, with the aim of informing future research, practice and guidance.
Methods
A qualitative study using the focus group methodology was conducted with 20 participants: 10 people living with PD and 10 carers. Data were analysed using a thematic content analysis.
Results
Four overarching main themes were identified: (i) changing travel patterns; (ii) anxiety and stress of planning; (iii) travel challenges and adaptations; and (iv) addressing PD information gaps.
Conclusions
Travel presents challenges for people living with PD and their carers. This study highlights the complexity of these travel-related health needs and the need for a multidisciplinary and personalized approach. The implementation of dedicated information resources, training of operators and promotion of support networks are fundamental steps to improving the autonomy and well-being of patients and their partners/carers during travel.
Travel is an important contributor to quality of life, independence and social participation. For people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), however, travel can pose unique health and logistical challenges. Despite the increasing emphasis on health-related quality of life in PD management, little is known about the travel needs of people living with PD. This study explored the travel experiences, needs, attitudes and practices of people living with PD, with the aim of informing future research, practice and guidance.
Methods
A qualitative study using the focus group methodology was conducted with 20 participants: 10 people living with PD and 10 carers. Data were analysed using a thematic content analysis.
Results
Four overarching main themes were identified: (i) changing travel patterns; (ii) anxiety and stress of planning; (iii) travel challenges and adaptations; and (iv) addressing PD information gaps.
Conclusions
Travel presents challenges for people living with PD and their carers. This study highlights the complexity of these travel-related health needs and the need for a multidisciplinary and personalized approach. The implementation of dedicated information resources, training of operators and promotion of support networks are fundamental steps to improving the autonomy and well-being of patients and their partners/carers during travel.
Date Issued
2026-05-01
Date Acceptance
2026-03-30
Citation
J Travel Med, 2026, 33 (4)
ISSN
1708-8305
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Journal / Book Title
J Travel Med
Volume
33
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
©TheAuthor(s) 2026. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Society of Travel Medicine. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, andreproduction in any medium,provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taag027
Subjects
PLWPD
Parkinson’s disease
exploratory
parkinsonism
people living with Parkinson’s disease
qualitative
travel health
travel health needs
Humans
Parkinson Disease
Male
Female
Travel
Caregivers
Aged
Focus Groups
Middle Aged
Quality of Life
Qualitative Research
Aged, 80 and over
Health Services Needs and Demand
Needs Assessment
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Article Number
taag027
Date Publish Online
2026-04-09