title: Good communication is essential.
abstract: Every year at least 10,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. And in total there are approximately 120,000 people living with Parkinson's in the UK. This chronic progressive condition requires specialised care and treatment and its management can become complex and challenging (see pages 12 to page 13 ). Health professionals should never underestimate the importance of providing accurate information and effective communication. Indeed, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for Parkinson's disease underline the importance of communication:'Good communication is essential, supported by evidence-based information, to allow patients to reach informed decisions about their care.'