Ageing well: improving the management of patients with multiple chronic health problems

Gilbert, Andrew L., Caughey, Gillian E., Vitry, Agnes I., Clark, Alice, Ryan, Philip, McDermott, Robyn A., Shakib, Sepehr, Luszcz, Mary A., Esterman, Adrian, and Roughead, Elizabeth E. (2011) Ageing well: improving the management of patients with multiple chronic health problems. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 30 (s2). pp. 32-37.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-6612.20...
 
17
5


Abstract

Aim: To identify and evaluate the management and care of older people with multiple chronic health problems (MCHP).

Methods: Administrative health data from the Department of Veterans' Affairs and bio-social data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing are used to determine prevalence of MCHP, treatment patterns and patient outcomes. Focus groups and semistructured interviews are used to gain patient and health practitioner perspectives.

Results: The prevalence of MCHP in older people is high (65%) and is associated with increased use of health services, mortality and poorer self-rated health. Australian disease-specific guidelines fail to address MCHP, and treatment conflicts with the potential to cause harm, were common.

Conclusion: Improvements in the care and management of older people with MCHP requires: a multifaceted approach, across the health-care system; better coordination of holistic, patient-centred multidisciplinary care; and effective communication and education of all stakeholders. The Health reform agenda in Australia provides an opportunity for change.

Item ID: 35786
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1741-6612
Keywords: chronic disease, comorbidity, multimorbidity
Funders: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC)
Projects and Grants: NHMRC/ARC Ageing Well Ageing Productively Program Grant
Date Deposited: 15 Oct 2014 16:48
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111702 Aged Health Care @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920502 Health Related to Ageing @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 5
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page