Parkinson’s Care: Empathy, Exercise & Communication

Simulation Aims to Boost Clinician Empathy in Parkinson’s Disease Care

A new hands-on simulation, debuting at the 4th Annual Advanced Therapeutics in Movement adn Related Disorders (ATMRD) Congress in Washington, D.C. from June 27-30, 2025, seeks to enhance clinician empathy when treating patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The programme, led by experts including Daniel Irizarry, MD, medical advisor at Tactical Medical Solutions, addresses a critical gap in medical training: truly understanding the lived experience of those navigating this complex condition.

The Power of Empathy in Patient Care

Research consistently demonstrates the profound impact of clinical empathy on patient outcomes. Beyond building trust and encouraging open dialogue, empathy is linked to improved patient education, stronger engagement with treatment, increased diagnostic accuracy, and even reduced burnout among clinicians. Caregivers also benefit from a deeper understanding of the patient’s journey. However, bridging the gap between intellectual understanding and genuine empathy remains a significant challenge, notably when dealing with conditions like PD that clinicians may not have personally experienced.

Did you know?

empathy can substantially reduce clinician burnout. Studies show that healthcare professionals who practice empathy experience lower stress levels and increased job satisfaction.

A New Approach to Understanding Parkinson’s disease

The upcoming simulation at ATMRD is designed to directly address this challenge. according to a physician with personal experience of PD, it’s easy to lose sight of the “simple things that make you empathetic” when faced with a demanding clinical schedule. “It turns out there are just small things that you can do, that we sometimes forget to do, in being empathetic and listening to patients,” he explained. The goal is to remind clinicians that the “therapeutic value of that empathy might potentially be more valuable than the medicines they prescribe.”

Uncovering Hidden Symptoms and Improving Communication

The simulation will focus on equipping clinicians with practical techniques to better assess and address the multifaceted needs of individuals with PD. A key component will be highlighting often-overlooked nonmotor symptoms, such as psychosis, delusions, and sexual dysfunction. The training will emphasize how to initiate conversations about these sensitive topics, using specific phrases designed to encourage patients to share their experiences.

Reflective Question:

How can healthcare providers create a safe space for patients to discuss sensitive non-motor symptoms like psychosis or sexual dysfunction?

“This experience is going to highlight some simple ways to remember to listen, assess, and elucidate things that patients with PD may not actually talk about,” one expert stated.The simulation aims to move beyond simply acknowledging symptoms to actively eliciting facts and creating a more complete therapeutic plan.

Putting Clinicians in the Patient’s Shoes

The simulation’s unique approach involves immersing clinicians in the patient’s perspective. By experiencing the awkwardness and challenges of communicating about difficult symptoms, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the patient’s experience. The program will focus on reinforcing simple, yet powerful, communication techniques, such as maintaining eye contact, leaning forward, and actively reflecting what the patient has said.

“Really, the key is to elucidate the few key phrases that make a difference,” a source noted.For example, simply saying, “I hear what you’re saying,” can dramatically improve the patient-clinician connection.

Beyond Medication: The Importance of exercise and Holistic Care

The conversation also highlighted the critical role of exercise in managing PD, a factor often overlooked in traditional medical approaches. One physician, who personally benefits from regular exercise, emphasized that it has been far more impactful than medication in improving both his motor function and mood.

“Clinicians tend to go, ‘Well, have you been to physical therapy?’ and that’s it,” he observed. He advocated for more in-depth conversations about the patient’s experience with physical therapy, including the challenges and benefits they are experiencing.

A Call for Patient-Centered Communication

Ultimately, the simulation aims to re-emphasize the fundamental importance of patient-centered communication in the face of increasingly complex healthcare systems. The program seeks to combat the tendency to prioritize electronic medical records and administrative tasks over genuine human connection.By equipping clinicians with practical tools and fostering a deeper understanding of the patient experience, the ATMRD simulation promises to enhance the quality of care for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

REFERENCES

1. Ho AJ, Turnbull J, Fossat Y. Compassion through tele-empathy: technology-mediated symptom transference. Future Healthc J. 2017;4(3):219-220.doi:10.7861/futurehosp.4-3-219
2. Papesh K, Mitchell A, Labib-Kiyarash E, et al. Empathy in Action Breakfast: Multi-Sensory Experiential Hands-On Session. presented at: ATMRD; June 27-30, 2025; Washington, DC.

The Role of Support Systems in Parkinson’s Disease Care

Beyond the crucial role of empathetic clinicians, a robust support system is vital for individuals navigating Parkinson’s disease (PD). Family, friends, support groups, and other healthcare professionals all contribute to a patient’s well-being. A comprehensive approach to care includes not only medical interventions but also readily available resources that address the emotional, social, and practical challenges that PD presents.

The Impact of Social Support

The benefits of a strong support network are multifaceted. Social connection provides a crucial buffer against the isolation and depression that often accompany PD. Family members and friends can offer emotional support, assist with daily tasks, and help monitor the progression of symptoms. This emotional bolstering promotes treatment adherence and overall quality of life.

support groups, in particular, offer unique benefits. These groups provide a safe space for patients and their families to share experiences, exchange coping strategies, and learn from others facing similar challenges. They also foster a sense of community, combating the feelings of isolation that are common among individuals with chronic illnesses.

The Caregiver’s Perspective

Caregivers play a critical role in the lives of people with PD. They frequently enough bear the brunt of the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. Recognizing the crucial role of caregivers, the simulation program at ATMRD and other initiatives are increasing awareness of the challenges they face. Caregivers need education, resources, and respite to avoid burnout and maintain their own well-being.

Practical resources and Support

Numerous resources are available to assist individuals with PD and their caregivers. These include:

• Support Groups: Local and online groups provide emotional support and practical advice.
• Physical and occupational therapy: These therapies can definitely help manage motor symptoms and maintain independence.
• Speech Therapy: This therapy can help improve dialog and address swallowing difficulties.
• Home Healthcare: Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
• Financial Assistance: Programs that can definitely help with the costs of medications, medical equipment, and caregiving services.

Financial assistance and specialized care are crucial for many patients. Navigating these resources, however, can be daunting. Healthcare providers can help patients and their families find and access these essential services.

The Role of Technology

Technology is also playing an increasingly critically importent role in PD care. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations and monitoring of symptoms. Wearable sensors can track movement and other health metrics. Mobile apps offer medication reminders, exercise programs, and access to educational resources.

What’s Next in Patient Support

As the understanding of Parkinson’s disease advances, so does support care. The integration of technology, further progress of caregiver resources, and expanded access to support groups and other resources will continue to improve the lives of individuals living with PD. The ATMRD simulation, by emphasizing patient-centered communication which builds empathetic interactions between patients and clinicians will increase the drive for better support on all fronts.

Key takeaways

Strong social support can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.