How do people with Parkinson’s disease perceive challenges in handling cutlery? – A mixed study
Creators: name: Pagnussat, Aline Souza
name: do Pinho, Alexandre Severo
name: Pinto, Camila
name: da Rosa, Thainara Cruz
name: Moscovich, Mariana
name: de Sousa Andrade, Carine
name: Chen, Yi-An
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Cancer
subject: Science Policy
subject: Mental Health

description: <b>Aim</b>: Investigate the experiences, challenges, and difficulties faced by people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) when using standard cutlery during meals and explore their preferences for features in assistive cutlery. <b>Methods</b>: This study employed a mixed-methods, narrative, and descriptive approach using phenomenological methodology. Data were collected in two phases: Phase 1 focused on understanding participants’ experiences and difficulties through phone or video interviews, while Phase 2 involved home visits to evaluate their preferences for cutlery features. Structured interviews with open- and closed-ended questions were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Analyst triangulation was employed to ensure reliability. <b>Results</b>: Phase one included 41 participants, while phase two included 15. Most participants reported difficulties using standard cutlery, citing challenges such as spills and reduced grip stability. Despite these difficulties, few had prior experience with assistive devices. Barriers to using adaptive cutlery included lack of awareness, limited access, cost, and concerns about its appearance. Some participants reported feeling embarrassed, which led them to avoid dining with others. Suggestions for improving regular cutlery focused on increasing the depth of forks and spoons to minimize spills. Most participants expressed a preference for cutlery with textured handles, deeper bowls, and medium size and weight. <b>Conclusion</b>: People with PD experience difficulties using regular cutlery, and few are aware of or use assistive devices. Participants expressed a desire for improvements in cutlery design that could improve their dining experience. Textured handles, medium size and weight, and deeper bowls were the most popular preferences among participants.These design improvements have the potential to enhance the dining experience and promote greater social participation among individuals with PD. People with PD have difficulty eating with regular utensils.The main reported reason for not using assistive cutlery was the lack of awareness or knowledge about its existence.The preferences expressed by participants regarding handle texture and bowl depth can also inform the selection of appropriate adaptive cutlery to meet individual needs. People with PD have difficulty eating with regular utensils. The main reported reason for not using assistive cutlery was the lack of awareness or knowledge about its existence. The preferences expressed by participants regarding handle texture and bowl depth can also inform the selection of appropriate adaptive cutlery to meet individual needs.