RecruitingObservational

Adapting ENGAGE-PD physical activity coaching for individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s: perspectives of healthcare professionals using Nominal Group Technique consensus

This research is collecting ideas from NHS healthcare professionals in the UK who work with people with Parkinson's, especially physiotherapists. The goal is to adapt a successful American programme, called ENGAGE-PD, to suit the UK health service. ENGAGE-PD helps people who have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's to increase their physical activity levels through coaching, a workbook, and activity tracking. Being more active can really help manage Parkinson's. This current study is asking experts how best to change ENGAGE-PD for the UK before it's tested with patients. It hopes to improve how people with Parkinson's can stay active and independent.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Plymouth

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Perspectives of UK National Health Service (NHS) staff working in neurology and/or healthcare of the elderly services providing NHS physiotherapy rehabilitation services for people with Parkinson's.

What is this study about?

This study is about making a special programme called ENGAGE-PD available in the UK to help people who have recently found out they have Parkinson's disease. We know from research around the world that staying physically active is incredibly helpful for people with Parkinson's, and can even slow down how the condition progresses. However, people with Parkinson's often find it harder to be as active as others.

ENGAGE-PD was first developed in the USA and has three main parts: personalised coaching from a therapist, a workbook to guide you, and ways to track your physical activity. Before we can offer this programme to patients in the UK, we need to make sure it fits with our NHS services and is right for people here. That's why this current study isn't directly involving patients yet.

Instead, we are talking to NHS staff, like physiotherapists and specialist nurses, who are experts in helping people with Parkinson's. We're asking them for their valuable input on how to best change and adapt the ENGAGE-PD programme for a UK setting. Their ideas will help us create a UK version that can be tested in a future study with patients, hopefully helping many people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's to stay active and live well.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on adapting a Parkinson's physical activity programme for the UK.
It seeks input from NHS staff, not patients, at this stage.
Being physically active is important for people with Parkinson's.
Participants will attend one online meeting and complete a questionnaire.
The goal is to improve care for people with newly diagnosed Parkinson's.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for specific NHS staff to share their experience and ideas. We're inviting people who work in neurology or care for older people, particularly those involved in physiotherapy rehabilitation for people with Parkinson's.

This includes team leaders who manage Parkinson's rehabilitation services, managers who look after the day-to-day running of these services, physiotherapists who have experience working with Parkinson's patients in the NHS, and specialist Parkinson's nurses who help coordinate care.

We cannot include staff from services that do not provide any Parkinson's rehabilitation. The age range for participating staff is between 20 and 80 years old, and we welcome both male and female participants.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you work as an NHS staff member in neurology or care of the elderly services?
Do you provide physiotherapy for people with Parkinson's within the NHS?
Are you a service lead, manager, physiotherapist, or Parkinson's Nurse Specialist in an NHS Parkinson's rehabilitation service?
Is your service involved in providing rehabilitation for Parkinson's patients?
Are you between 20 and 80 years old?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are an eligible NHS staff member and decide to take part, you will be invited to one online meeting. This meeting will involve sharing your ideas and discussing them with other participants, either through a video call or by email and Microsoft Teams correspondence. The meeting will last up to two hours. Before the meeting, you might spend up to an hour preparing your thoughts. You'll also be asked to fill out a short, anonymous questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask about your job and typical care for Parkinson's patients in your service, to ensure we get a wide range of views. This is the only commitment; there are no follow-up visits or assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you'll be directly helping to shape a new physical activity programme for people with Parkinson's in the UK. The knowledge gained could help future patients maintain their activity, independence, and self-management of their condition. There's a small thank you payment in the form of a voucher to recognise your time and expertise. The main consideration is the time you'll need to contribute – up to an hour for preparation and up to two hours for the meeting itself. We will try our best to schedule the meeting at a time that works for you. You are free to stop participating at any point if you change your mind.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Livewell Southwest
City only
Plymouth, England

Common questions

What is ENGAGE-PD?

ENGAGE-PD is a programme, originally from the USA, that aims to help people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's become more physically active through coaching, a workbook, and activity tracking.

Who is being asked to take part in this study?

This study is asking NHS healthcare professionals, like physiotherapists and specialist nurses, who work with people with Parkinson's, for their thoughts and ideas.

What will I have to do if I take part?

You will join one online meeting, lasting up to two hours, to share your ideas, and complete a short, anonymous questionnaire about your job and usual Parkinson's care.

Will this involve taking any new medications?

No, this study is about gathering opinions on a physical activity programme, not about medications or treatments for patients.

Will I get anything for taking part?

Yes, you will receive a small voucher to thank you for your time and input. You will also get a summary of the study findings.

How to find out more

Jonathan Gilby

jonathan.gilby@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk +44 (0)7825016312 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.