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Ageing well: Improving the management of patients with multiple chronic health problems
Author(s) -
Gilbert Andrew L,
Caughey Gillian E,
Vitry Agnes I,
Clark Alice,
Ryan Philip,
McDermott Robyn A,
Shakib Sepehr,
Luszcz Mary A,
Esterman Adrian,
Roughead Elizabeth E
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2011.00530.x
Subject(s) - harm , medicine , health care , gerontology , multidisciplinary approach , nursing , chronic disease , older people , disease management , health management system , psychology , family medicine , alternative medicine , political science , social psychology , pathology , law
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.