Multimorbidity: The most common condition of all

About the project

Multimorbidity is the coexistence of more than one chronic disease. Multimorbidity results in high health service use, competing demands on patients and health care professionals, reduced quality of life and higher mortality, with greater impact for Māori and Pacific people, and those living in deprived areas. Research focused on multimorbidity is scarce internationally and almost non-existent in NZ.

Project aims

1. Describe the prevalence, patterns and impact of multimorbidity in NZ using routinely collected data;
2. Understand and describe patients' understanding of, and experience of living with multimorbidity, using focus groups, in-depth interviews and a survey of patients with multimorbidity;
3. Develop interventions aimed at reducing the impact of multimorbidity in NZ including identifying best clinical practice models, focused amendment of clinical guidelines and identification of pro-equity interventions. Our aim is to improve health outcomes for patients with multimorbidity.

Funders

This project is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand

Our People

University of Otago:

• Diana Sarfati; University of Otago, Wellington
• James Stanley; University of Otago, Wellington
• Louise Signal; University of Otago, Wellington
• Professor Ross Lawrenson, Waikato Clinical School, University of Auckland
• Associate Professor Dee Mangin, Department of General Practice, University of Otago, Christchurch
• Professor Tony Dowell, Primary Health Care & General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington
• Dr Kelly Semper
• Jason Gurney; University of Otago, Wellington
• Dr Lis Ellison-Loschmann, Research School of Public Health, Massey University
• Cheryl Davies, Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust
• Jeannine Stairmand
• Dr Chris Cameron, General Physician, Capital & Coast DHB
• Michelle Abraham, pharmacist, Capital & Coast DHB
• Jane Zhang; University of Otago, Wellington