This mixed-methods study has a qualitative study component (1) and a quantitative study component (2):
Component 1) using a phenomenological inductive approach and Grounded Theory methodology the investigators will find and build themes from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with a) LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ individuals with PD, b) their care partners, and c) physicians to identify the experiences and perspectives on their health care and participation in research.
Component 2) survey development informed by results of Component 1, national distribution, and analysis of LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ people with PD, their caregivers and physicians, on barriers and access to health and disease information, healthcare delivery and participation in research.
The investigators plan to recruit 10 LGBTQ+ individuals with PD, 10 Non-LGBTQ+ individuals with PD, 10 care partners, and 10 healthcare providers for individual interviews, and 50 LGBTQ+ older adults with PD and care partners for focus groups consisting of 6-8 individuals each. For the national electronic survey investigators estimate needing a the sample size of approximately 380 responses calculated using a 95% confidence level (Z score=1.96), a standard deviation of .5, a 5% margin of error, and a population of 30,000. Purposive and Snowball sampling methods (nonprobability sampling) will be used.
