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Simpson G, Morrison L, Santer M, Hijryana M, Farmer A, Dambha-Miller H. Perceptions and experiences of living with and providing care for multimorbidity: A qualitative interview study. JOURNAL OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND COMORBIDITY 2024; 14:26335565241240820. [PMID: 38529048 PMCID: PMC10962039 DOI: 10.1177/26335565241240820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Experiences of living with and seeking care for multimorbidity is a relatively under-researched field. By analysing experiences of people with multimorbidity, caregivers and care professionals, we can better understand the complex care needs of those with multimorbidity and identify improvements to care management. This paper reports findings from research that elicited the views of key stakeholders to inform future care practice and policy. Aim To elicit care recipient and care provider views to understand the care needs of those living with and seeking care for multimorbidity. Method A qualitative interview study using purposive sampling of those living with and providing care in multimorbidity. Results Increased support to those with multimorbidity and caregivers to navigate care systems was advocated. Establishing trusting care relationships featured prominently in participants accounts. Fragmented care, inadequate coordination and poor communication between care providers, were identified as system-wide challenges. There was agreement that integrated care models were needed, which delivered personalised care, such as shared decision-making, choice in care options and accessing services, and individualised care plans. Conclusion We found significant agreement among stakeholders on care need and management in multimorbidity. Understanding the experiences of those with multimorbidity, caregivers and care professionals, can inform future improvements in care management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Simpson
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leanne Morrison
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marisza Hijryana
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Andrew Farmer
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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O'Sullivan DJ, Bearne LM, Harrington JM, McVeigh JG. Can social prescribing put the 'social' into the biopsychosocial management of people with long-term musculoskeletal disorders? Musculoskeletal Care 2023; 21:1341-1352. [PMID: 37639305 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a significant burden on individuals' quality of life and society and are made more complex by the presence of multimorbidity. It is recommended that interventions targeting MSD be sustainable, equitable and incorporate the biopsychosocial model of care (BPS). AIMS A criticism of the BPS approach is that the social component of this model is not addressed adequately during the management of people with long-term MSD and that a gap exists between theory and implementation. The use of social prescribing (SP) as an intervention to bridge this gap is discussed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Social prescribing is a holistic non-medical person-centered approach to well-being that utilizes link workers (LW) to support individuals with long-term conditions (LTC) in the community. Social prescribing referrals are received from primary healthcare practitioners to LW and range from light touch signposting for employment or financial advice to more intensive support for LTC such as obesity, decreased physical activity and mental health needs. CONCLUSION There is evidence to suggest that SP interventions are effective in the management of LTC; however, due to the paucity of high-quality evidence, it is difficult to be conclusive. Large-scale randomised controlled trials are recommended to support the use of SP interventions in the management of LTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan J O'Sullivan
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Therapies, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Lindsay M Bearne
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Janas M Harrington
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Joseph G McVeigh
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Therapies, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Younas A, Shahzad S, Tejada-Garrido CI, Monari EN, Durante A. Sociocultural and patient-health care professional related factors influencing self-management of multiethnic patients with multimorbidities: A thematic synthesis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002132. [PMID: 37733662 PMCID: PMC10513255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Self-management is critical for the general well-being and disease management of individuals with multimorbidities. A better understanding of sociocultural and patient-professional level factors affecting self-management can be valuable for designing individual and community-based strategies to promote optimal self-management. The purpose of this review was to explore sociocultural and patient-health care professional related factors affecting self-management among patients with multimorbidities. A metasynthesis was conducted. Literature was searched in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and OVID databases. In total, 21 qualitative studies published from January 2010-March 2023 were critically appraised and reviewed. Thematic synthesis was used for analysis and eight descriptive and three analytical themes were generated. The analytical themes illustrated that personal and structural vulnerabilities, social and family struggles, and fragmented interpersonal relationships with health care professionals affect health care access, navigation, and self-management of individuals with multimorbidities. Engagement in self-management for individuals with multiple chronic conditions is hampered by under-resourced community and health care environments, structural vulnerabilities, familial and interpersonal conflicts, and disjointed relationships. There is a dire need to ensure optimal community resources to support individuals to address and navigate complexities associated with accessing care and effectively managing their illnesses.
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Volčanšek Š, Lunder M, Janež A. Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment in Older Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2154. [PMID: 37570394 PMCID: PMC10418676 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11152154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are determinants of health-related outcomes including health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We aimed to determine differences in HRQOL between older adults with T1D and T2D and specific factors influencing HRQOL in this age group. This study used a cross-sectional design with 56 age- and HbA1c-matched T1D and T2D patients (aged 68.9 ± 7.8 years; 55% had T2D). We employed several validated questionnaires (Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions/Visual Analog Scale (VAS)) to investigate the relationships between HRQOL domains and diabetes type, glycemic control, complications, and comorbidities. T1D was associated with better self-reported general health (assessed with the SF-36 general health domain (p = 0.048) and the EuroQol-5 VAS (p = 0.002), whereas no significant differences in the other SF-36 domains, self-reported diabetes distress, anxiety, or depression were found. Most HRQOL domains were not associated with HbA1c or the presence of diabetes complications. The most significant reduction in HRQOL was experienced by patients with higher BMIs, irrespective of the diabetes type. The obtained HRQOL data could be used in clinical settings for evidence-based patient education focused on specific subgroups of patients, as well as in national healthcare policies, e.g., interventions designed to alleviate obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Špela Volčanšek
- Clinical Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.L.); (A.J.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Lunder
- Clinical Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.L.); (A.J.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Janež
- Clinical Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.L.); (A.J.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Dunn R, Clayton E, Wolverson E, Hilton A. Conceptualising comorbidity and multimorbidity in dementia: A scoping review and syndemic framework. JOURNAL OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND COMORBIDITY 2022; 12:26335565221128432. [PMID: 36187908 PMCID: PMC9520180 DOI: 10.1177/26335565221128432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Older people and people with dementia experience a high prevalence of multiple health conditions. The terms ‘comorbidity’ and ‘multimorbidity’ are often used interchangeably to describe this, however there are key conceptual differences between these terms and their definitions. This has led to issues in the validity and comparability of research findings, potentially inappropriate intervention development and differences in quality of health care. Objective To review how the terms ‘comorbidity’ and ‘multimorbidity’ are defined within peer-reviewed dementia research and propose an operational framework. Design A scoping review of definitions within dementia research was carried out. Searches took place across five databases: Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES and PsycINFO. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Results Content analysis revealed five key themes, showing significant overlap and inconsistencies from both within, and between, the comorbidity and multimorbidity definitions; 1. Number of conditions; 2. Type of health conditions; 3. The co-occurrence of conditions; 4. The inclusion of an index disease (or not); 5. Use of medical language. The analysis also revealed gaps in how the underlying concepts of the definitions relate to people with dementia living with multiple health conditions. Conclusion This scoping review found that current definitions of comorbidity and multimorbidity are heterogeneous, reductionist and disease-focussed. Recommendations are made on the design of research studies including transparency and consistency of any terms and definitions used. A syndemic framework could be a useful tool for researchers, clinicians and policy makers to consider a more holistic picture of a person with dementia’s health and wellbeing.
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Lynch R, Hanckel B, Green J. The (failed) promise of multimorbidity: chronicity, biomedical categories, and public health. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 32:450-461. [PMID: 38013883 PMCID: PMC10461731 DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2021.2017854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Multimorbidity has become an increasingly prominent lens through which public health focuses on the 'burden' of ill health in ageing populations, with the promise of a more upstream and holistic approach. We use a situational analysis (drawing on documentary analysis and interviews with service providers, policy actors and people living with multiple conditions) in south London, UK, to explore what this lens brings into focus, and what it obscures. Local initiatives mobilised the concept of multimorbidity in initiatives for integrating health care systems and for commissioning for prevention as well as care. However, as the latest of a series of historical attempts to address system fragmentation, these initiatives generated more complexity, and a system orientated to constant transformation, rather than repair or restoration. Service providers and patients continued to struggle to navigate the system. Dominant policy and practice narratives framed patient self-management as the primary route for addressing individualised risk factors on a trajectory to multimorbidity, whereas the narratives of those living with multiple conditions were more oriented to a relational model of health. The findings suggest possibilities and limitations for leveraging the concept of multimorbidity for public health. In this field, the promise arose from its potential to make spaces for a focus on populations, not patients with discrete diseases. Realising this promise, however, was limited by the inherent tensions of biomedical nosologies, which separate discrete diseases within individual bodies, and from epidemiological approaches that reify the socio-material contexts of failing health as risks for individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lynch
- Department of Women & Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Hanckel
- Western Sydney University Institute for Culture and Society, Penrith South, Australia
| | - Judith Green
- University of Exeter, Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health, Exeter, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Spiers G, Boulton E, Corner L, Craig D, Parker S, Todd C, Hanratty B. What matters to people with multiple long-term conditions and their carers? Postgrad Med J 2021; 99:postgradmedj-2021-140825. [PMID: 34921067 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2021-140825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of people living with multiple long-term conditions is increasing worldwide. This presents challenges for health and care systems, which must adapt to meet the needs of this population. This study drew on existing data to understand what matters to people living with multiple long-term conditions and identify priorities for future research. METHODS Two studies were conducted. (1) A secondary thematic analysis of interview, survey and workshop data collected from the 2017 James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership for Older People with Multiple Conditions, and patient and public involvement workshops; (2) a review of ongoing research and published research priorities, relating to older people (80+) living with multiple long-term conditions. FINDINGS Older people with multiple long-term conditions identified a number of key concerns: access to care, support for both the patient and their carer, physical and mental health and well-being and identifying opportunities for early prevention. The review identified no published research priorities or ongoing research focusing specifically on populations aged over 80 years with multiple long-term conditions. CONCLUSION Older people living with multiple long-term conditions experience care that is inadequate for their needs. A holistic approach to care that extends beyond treating single conditions will ensure wide-ranging needs are met. As multimorbidity rises worldwide, this is a critical message for practitioners across health and care settings. We also recommend key areas that should be given greater focus in future research and policy to inform effective and meaningful forms of support for people living with multiple long-term conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Spiers
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elisabeth Boulton
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lynne Corner
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dawn Craig
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stuart Parker
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Chris Todd
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Barbara Hanratty
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Sand CD, Rahbek K, Willadsen TG, Jønsson AR. Prioritizing social identities: Patients' perspective on living with multimorbidity. JOURNAL OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND COMORBIDITY 2021; 11:26335565211009375. [PMID: 33996614 PMCID: PMC8107931 DOI: 10.1177/26335565211009375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article explores experiences of people with multimorbidity, and attempts to advance understandings of the complexity of living with multimorbidity outside the medical encounter in a social identity theoretical framework. METHOD This is a qualitative study using individual semi-structured interviews among nine persons living with multimorbidity. The interviews are analysed inductively according to thematic content analysis. RESULTS The emerging themes are: 1) Impact on daily life, 2) Professional life and 3) Capacity for handling multimorbidity. People with multimorbidity experience physical limitations and psychological distress, which limits their ability to maintain social relations and affiliation to the labour market. Accordingly, they are challenged in their ability to retain a sense of normal everyday life, which is mediated by their capacity for handling multimorbidity. DISCUSSION Multimorbidity may compromise various social identities. The complexity of living with multimorbidity is increased by an aspiration to maintain valued social identities in order to preserve a coherent sense of self and a normal everyday life. This study suggests an increased focus on individual priorities and values outside the medical encounter, and argues in favour of recognizing the conflicts that people experience as they try to balance multimorbidity with other important aspects of their daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Drivsholm Sand
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public
Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Keren Rahbek
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public
Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tora G Willadsen
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public
Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexandra R Jønsson
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public
Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wittenberg E, Kerr AM, Goldsmith J. Exploring Family Caregiver Communication Difficulties and Caregiver Quality of Life and Anxiety. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:147-153. [PMID: 32588639 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120935371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When family caregivers are involved in patient care, both patients and caregivers experience better clinical outcomes. However, caregivers experience communication difficulties as they navigate a complex health care system and interact with health care providers. Research indicates that caregivers experience a communication burden that can result in topic avoidance and distress; however, little is known about how burden stemming from communication difficulties with health care providers relates to caregiving outcomes. OBJECTIVES To investigate how family caregiver communication difficulties with health care providers influence caregiver quality of life and anxiety. METHODS Data were collected in a cross-sectional online survey of 220 caregivers with communication difficulties resulting from caregiver avoidance of caregiving-related topics, inadequate reading and question-asking health literacy, and low communication self-efficacy. RESULTS Caregiver outcomes were not affected by reading health literacy level but did differ based on question-asking health literacy level. Adequate question-asking health literacy was associated with lower anxiety and a higher quality of life. Caregivers who avoided discussing caregiving topics reported higher anxiety and lower quality of life and caregivers with increased communication self-efficacy reported a higher quality of life. CONCLUSION Involvement of family caregivers in care is likely to require tailored approaches that address caregiver communication and health literacy skills. Findings from this study suggest that hospice and palliative care providers should identify and provide support for caregiver communication difficulties in order to positively influence caregiver quality of life and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Wittenberg
- Department of Communication Studies, 14669California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna M Kerr
- Department of Family Medicine, 43973Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Joy Goldsmith
- Communication Studies, 5415University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
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