26 November 2025
People living with Parkinson’s disease in regional, rural, and remote South Australia are encouraged to take part in a new University of South Australia study aiming to improve access to specialist care across the State.
Led by Senior Lecturer and Parkinson’s nurse specialist UniSA’s Dr Suzanne Sharrad, the study aims to capture first-hand experiences from people living with the disease and their caregivers, giving regional and rural South Australians a vital opportunity to shape future care.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects a person’s movement, mood, sleep, and many other aspects of their daily life. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affects approximately 8000 people in South Australia, including 20% who are of working age.
“Best practice care for Parkinson’s disease relies on a coordinated team – specialist nurses, allied health professionals, mental health specialists, and doctors working together to provide holistic, person-centred support,” Dr Sharrad says.
“Yet outside metropolitan Adelaide, this kind of team-based, specialist care isn’t consistently available. As a result, many people with Parkinson’s are left to make do with whatever services they can access.
“The truth is, we still know very little about how people in regional, rural, and remote areas experience their care. This research aims to change that.”
The confidential online survey takes about 40 minutes to complete. It will explore people’s experiences from diagnosis through to ongoing care, including access to specialist healthcare teams, medication support, symptom management, education, wellbeing, and ideas for service improvements.
Importantly, the research will incorporate the voices of people with Parkinson’s disease to inform future planning for more integrated, person-centred care in regional and rural South Australia.
“Every response we receive will help build a clearer picture of what’s working, what isn’t, and where resources are most urgently needed,” Dr Sharrad says.
“With South Australia’s health system increasingly under pressure, and diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease expected to double by 2034, this is an important opportunity for people in regional communities to have their voice heard.
“Your experience matters. Sharing it now will help transform Parkinson’s care for future generations.”
For more information, please email Dr Sharrad or to participate in the survey, visit: https://bit.ly/49Hcas6
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Contact for interview: Dr Sue Sharrad E: Sue.Sharrad@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au
