Lived experiences of multimorbidity: An interpretative meta-synthesis of patients', general practitioners' and trainees' perceptions

Abstract

Objectives: Multimorbidity is an increasing challenge. Better understanding of lived experiences of patients, general practitioners and trainees, may advance patient care and medical education. This interpretative meta-synthesis sought to (i) understand lived experiences of patients, general practitioners and trainees regarding multimorbidity, (ii) identify how similarities and differences in experiences should shape future solutions.

Methods: Empirical studies containing qualitative data and pertaining to lived experiences from our recent realist synthesis (PROSPERO 2013:CRD42013003862) were included. Following quality assessment, data were extracted from key studies to build an integrated analytic framework. Data from remaining studies were utilised to expand and refine the framework through thematic analysis of concepts within and between perspectives.

Results: Twenty-one papers were included in the meta-synthesis. Analysis of 70 concepts produced five themes: (1) goals of care and decision making, (2) complexity, (3) meeting expectations, (4) logistics and (5) interpersonal dynamics. The complexities of multimorbidity lead to shared feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty and enforced compromises. Barriers to optimal care-education included system constraints, inadequate continuity and role uncertainty.

Discussion: There was little evidence of shared discussion of these challenges. Addressing these issues and more explicit exploration of the experiences of each group during interactions may improve delivery and satisfaction in care and education.

Keywords: Multimorbidity; general practitioners; lived experiences; patients; trainees.