Improving Health Equity For People With Parkinson’s Disease Through Linked Data Research On Medication Use, Mental Health, And Service Access

Impact summary

This research program addresses inequities in the care of people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Australia, particularly in regional and rural communities. Using linked administrative datasets, including the 45 and Up Study, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), the research examined geographic variation in medication use, mental health burden, and service access in persons with PD. Complementary work included a Scoping Review on mental health needs in PD and an Insight+ article highlighting inequities in PD care.

During the reference period, PD support groups used findings from the PBS/MBS analyses and the Scoping Review to strengthen advocacy for improved regional services. The Insight+ article increased national awareness among clinicians, health service leaders, and policymakers. The Population Health Research Network (PHRN) subsequently invited the researcher to develop an Impact Story, recognising the significance of the work and its relevance to national linked data infrastructure. The CSU Research Communique further disseminated the research to institutional and external audiences.
Primary impacts include:
• increased awareness of inequities in PD care
• strengthened advocacy by PD support groups
• improved clinician understanding of mental health and medication gaps
• evidence informing regional health planning
• national visibility through Insight+ and CSU Research Communique

Research and engagement activities leading to impact

The research program investigated how people with Parkinson’s disease access medications, mental health support, and medical services across metropolitan, regional, and rural settings. Using PHRN supported linkage, the team combined 45 and Up Study data with PBS and MBS records to analyse patterns of medication dispensing, GP and specialist visits, and mental health service utilisation.
The PBS study (AJRH 2025) provided the first population level evidence of geographic variation in PD medication use in NSW. The Scoping Review (Aust J Rural Health 2023) identified unmet mental health needs and barriers to service access. These findings were complemented by research on chronic disease physiology and rural health inequities.
Engagement activities shaped the research direction and facilitated impact. PD support groups in regional NSW identified medication access, mental health support, and specialist availability as priority issues. Their lived experiences informed the analytical focus on geographic variation and service inequity. Engagement included:
• discussions with PD support groups about service challenges
• sharing preliminary findings with community organisations
• informal consultation with clinicians regarding medication access and mental health burden
• dissemination of findings to PD support groups for advocacy use

Following publication, findings were shared with PD support groups and community organisations, enabling them to use the evidence in advocacy. The Insight+ article translated the research for a national clinical audience, highlighting inequities in PD care and prompting broader discussion. The CSU Research Communique further increased visibility among university partners and external stakeholders.
The PHRN invitation to develop an Impact Story reflects national recognition of the research program’s contribution to demonstrating the value of linked administrative data for chronic disease management.

Researcher involvement

Assoc Prof Patricia Logan led the original research program as Chief Investigator. Following her retirement, Dr Peter Micalos assumed responsibility for research translation, stakeholder engagement, and impact activities. Dr Micalos led the interpretation and write up of the PBS, MBS, and mental health papers, co authored the Insight+ article, and engaged with PD support groups and PHRN. His role in translating research findings into community accessible formats and national clinical commentary was central to the impacts achieved.
Assoc Prof Marguerite Bramble contributed to community engagement and translation activities. Dr Shanna Cargill led the Scoping Review, synthesising evidence on mental health needs in PD. Assoc Prof Alfred Wong contributed to data extraction, clinical interpretation, and translation for health service audiences.
Non academic stakeholders included PD support groups, community advocates, and PHRN. Their engagement ensured the research remained grounded in lived experience and supported translation into advocacy and national awareness.

Outcomes of research leading to impact

1. PD support groups used the research in advocacy Support groups used findings from the PBS/MBS analyses and the Scoping Review to highlight inequities in medication access, mental health support, and specialist availability. This strengthened their ability to advocate for improved regional services.
2. National awareness increased The Insight+ article translated the research into a nationally accessible format, reaching clinicians, health service leaders, and policymakers. It increased awareness of inequities in PD care and prompted discussion about service gaps.
3. Health planning Local Health Districts used evidence from the PBS and MBS analyses to inform discussions about neurology service distribution and mental health support.
4. PHRN recognition The invitation to develop an Impact Story demonstrates national recognition of the research program’s relevance to linked data infrastructure and its value in informing chronic disease management. PHRN Impact Story
5. CSU Research Communique The research was featured in the CSU Research Communique (Autumn 2026 edition), increasing visibility among university partners, regional health stakeholders, and external readers engaged with CSU’s research impact.’
6. CSU LinkedIn Research Channel dissemination. A feature post prepared by the Charles Sturt Research LinkedIn channel (scheduled for publication this week) will extend the reach of the research to professional networks, alumni, and regional health stakeholders.

Beneficiaries of the impact

People living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) Individuals with PD benefited indirectly through strengthened advocacy efforts informed by the PBS/MBS analyses and the Scoping Review. These findings provided credible, data driven evidence highlighting inequities in medication access, mental health support, and specialist availability.
Carers and families Carers benefited from clearer articulation of systemic barriers, enabling them to better advocate for mental health and specialist support.
Parkinson’s disease support groups Support groups were among the most direct beneficiaries. They used the PBS/MBS findings and Scoping Review results to strengthen advocacy for improved regional services.
Community organisations and advocates Community organisations working in chronic disease, ageing, and rural health benefited from increased visibility of PD inequities.
National clinical audiences The Insight+ article reached clinicians, health service leaders, and policymakers across Australia, contributing to national dialogue on PD care inequities.
Population Health Research Network (PHRN) PHRN benefited through demonstration of the value of linked administrative data for understanding chronic disease patterns.

Details of the impact achieved

People with PD benefited through increased visibility of their challenges, with support groups reporting strengthened advocacy capacity. Clinicians benefited from clearer evidence of geographic variation in medication use and mental health service gaps. Health service partners used the findings to inform discussions about regional neurology support and potential service gaps.
The Insight+ article amplified these findings nationally, contributing to broader awareness of chronic disease inequities and the importance of linked administrative data. The PHRN invitation to develop an Impact Story reflects recognition of the research program’s significance and its contribution to demonstrating the value of linked data for understanding chronic disease patterns.
The CSU Research Communique article provided additional dissemination to a broad institutional and external audience, reinforcing the significance of the research and contributing to wider awareness of inequities in Parkinson’s disease care.
The Charles Sturt Research LinkedIn channel has prepared a feature post on the project, scheduled for publication this week. This post highlights the long running research journey, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the significance of the findings. Its release will extend the reach of the research to professional networks, alumni, regional health practitioners, and community stakeholders, reinforcing awareness of PD inequities and the value of linked data research.
Together, these dissemination activities ensured national visibility across clinical, community, and professional networks.

Impact date	Jan 2025 → Jun 2026
Category of impact	Quality of life Impact
Impact level	National