Physiotherapists’ and occupational therapists’ experiences of working with people with atypical Parkinson’s conditions

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gain deeper understanding of the experiences of occupational therapists and physiotherapists, working with those with atypical Parkinson’s conditions, within the UK. A literature review identified that research into these roles is limited and unrepresentative. Materials and methods: A qualitative approach, informed by hermeneutic phenomenology was used to guide the study design. Semi-structured, online interviews, focussed on therapists’ experiences of success and challenge, were completed with six physiotherapists, and three occupational therapists, experienced in working within this area of practice. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were generated and discussed: (1) maintaining hope without giving false hope, (2) maintaining quality of life despite deterioration, (3) maintaining empowerment and choice despite loss of control, (4) maintaining effective working despite variable resources. Conclusions: Participants’ accounts of success and challenge reveal a complex landscape of tensions that must be negotiated and balanced within their practice. Insight is gained into some of the mechanisms involved in maintaining a patient’s hope, their ability to participate and their sense of identity, despite the devastating losses associated with these conditions.