Teamwork in Parkinson's care: Building multidisciplinary models worldwide

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex, progressive neurodegenerative disorder requiring comprehensive, long-term management. PD affects millions of people globally and presents with motor and non-motor symptoms that progressively impair function and quality of life. While pharmacological therapy remains effective, optimal care extends beyond medication management. Traditional care models for PD often rely heavily on doctors and primarily target motor symptoms and motor complications, with less attention to non-motor symptoms, many of which remain under-recognized. This imbalance contributes to fragmented care and unmet patient needs. These challenges highlight the need for a multidisciplinary care team to address the full spectrum of patient needs. Therefore, integrating a multidisciplinary approach is essential for comprehensive PD management. This manuscript proposes a scalable, multidisciplinary care team model designed to optimise clinical outcomes, enhance quality of life, and remain adaptable across diverse healthcare systems worldwide. It addresses global challenges associated with MDT implementation and outlines potential future solutions. The manuscript also highlights stakeholder engagement in Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI), including initiatives in Tanzania and Thailand to raise community awareness. In particular, the “CheckPD” project and integrated “eat, move, sleep” lifestyle interventions promote lifestyle-based strategies for PD prevention and improved long-term management of PD. Overall, the model emphasises coordinated, patient-centred care that integrates medical, rehabilitative, psychological, and social support services.