Background: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a chronic illness that profoundly impacts quality of life (QoL). While many qualitative studies on QoL in PD have been conducted in different countries and cities around the world, the impact on QoL varies by region and it is important to explore the diverse factors influencing these differences. Objectives: This pilot study aims to explore the impact of PD on QoL for patients in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. These individuals may encounter unique challenges not currently addressed by the literature, potentially affecting their overall QoL. Methods: A single-session focus group was conducted in a rural town in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Line-by-line reflexive coding was used to identify iterative themes. Results: Seven themes were explored from the participant's contributions, with key themes focusing on patients' experiences navigating the healthcare system, the impact of non-motor and motor symptoms, and the role of social support in their QoL. Conclusion: Living with PD presents a variety of unique challenges that must be considered throughout future research and policy implementation. This pilot focus group study provides an in depth discussion of the key challenges faced by individuals with PD In Southwestern Ontario. The study is limited in reliability and generalizability due to the small sample size and homogeneity of participants. The initial exploratory findings can be used as a foundation for future research to expand on key themes with additional focus group sessions or complementary methodologies.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE/CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. 

FUNDING SOURCES This research was supported by start-up funding available to HN and FH by Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The study was reviewed and approved by the University of Western Ontario's Health Science Research Ethics Board (Project ID:124356).

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

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I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors.