Multimorbidity

Question 1

What is the correlation between obesity and multi morbidity?

Answer 1

Obesity associated with increased burden of multimorbidity and functional limitation among older adults

Question 2

What is the correlation between multi morbidity and depression?

Answer 2

MM associated with depressive symptoms
Social support served as protective factor

Question 3

What are challenges associated with multi morbidity?

Answer 3

1. Complexity - various conditions and treatments
2. HCP knowledge
3. Communication between HCPs
4. Patient emotions - decision making may cause emotional distress
5. Mental health - dep/anxiety interfere with self management
6. Cognitive impairment - prevent accurate reporting
7. Viewing patient individually/holistically
8. Time constraints
9. Lack of social supports
10. Limited evidence to guide decisions

Question 4

What are the 5 components to approach multi morbidity in older adults?

Answer 4

1. Incorporate patient preferences into decision making
2. Recognize limitations of evidence base
3. Frame clinical management decisions in context of risks, burdens, benefits and prognosis
4. Consider treatment complexity and feasibility
5. Choose therapies that optimize benefit, minimize harm and enhance QOL