The ParkinsonNet project, funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, will be carried out in Tasmania and Western Victoria, aiming to eventually improve access to specialist care for the approximately 220,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s disease. 

Initially, the project is looking to survey allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, whether they currently treat people with Parkinson’s or not. 

What is ParkinsonNet? 

ParkinsonNet is a multidisciplinary network developed in the Netherlands that aims to ensure high quality care and improve outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s. 

Core features of the model are: 

• training and expertise—therapists receive Parkinson’s-specific training and ongoing education and maintain a Parkinson’s case load 
• guidelines—the European Physiotherapy Guideline for Parkinson’s Disease, developed through ParkinsonNet, supports decision-making with evidence-informed interventions
• a web portal—an online portal helps people with Parkinson’s and referrers find qualified providers
• geographically based multidisciplinary networks—regular communication among providers including neurologists, nurses and other health professionals supports coordinated, personalised care. 

Barriers to implementation in Australia 

In the Netherlands, there are over 4000 health professionals trained in Parkinson’s and people with Parkinson’s are never more than about 10 kilometres from one of these trained health professionals. 

To adapt ParkinsonNet to the Australian context, there is a need to accommodate low population density, few expert health professionals in rural and remote areas and a different funding system. 

Aims of the project 

The aims of the project are to: Phase 1—identify barriers, facilitators and required adaptions to the ParkinsonNet model for successful implementation for people with Parkinson’s living in rural and remote Australia Phase 2—evaluate its impact on highquality care, reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance and cost; determine the factors that influence scale-up and sustainability of ParkinsonNet in Australia. 

Methods 

Phase 1 will involve collecting data via a survey from physiotherapists who work in Tasmania and Western Victoria. 

The survey asks about Parkinson’s knowledge and confidence, case load, use of telehealth, common funding used and learning needs. 

The study is open to physiotherapists, whether they work with people with Parkinson’s or not. 

The University of Tasmania HREC has approved the project (H40248). 

How to participate 

Visit parkinsonnet.au or scan the QR code for further information. 

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes and participants have the chance to win a $150 voucher. The survey closes on 15 March 2026.

The APA is pleased to partner on the ParkinsonNet study.