problems encountered by patients with multimorbidity

Last reviewed 01/2018

Patients with multimorbidity have a poorer outcome than those with a single condition. These patients may experience the following problems:

• disorganization and fragmentation of care
• results from involvement of multiple health professionals in primary and secondary care
• there can be poor coordination and communication between the care providers
  
  
• polypharmacy
• a higher chance of adverse drug reactions and negative influence on taking medication and adherence to medical appointments
  
  
• treatment burden
• results from learning about several management plans and life style changes, engaging with multiple healthcare professionals etc
• may cause a reduction in adherence to management plans
  
  
• mental health problems
• commonly associated with depression and anxiety
  
  
• functional difficulties
• increases with increasing number of conditions
  
  
• decreased quality of life
  
  
• increased healthcare utilisation
• high risk of emergency admission, high service use and cost

Reference:

• (1) Wallace E et al. Managing patients with multimorbidity in primary care. BMJ. 2015;350:h176