The role of lay associations: difficulties encountered.
A review of Parkinson's disease stressing medical and psychosocial aspects is presented. The importance of the role of lay associations is described, paying particular attention to future developments. The foundation of an information bank is stressed as well as the cooperation with professionals to ensure standards of care and providing on-going patient education. Dutch initiatives are described as positive signs of the growing strength of lay organizations.
D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D009938:Organizations; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*