A walking stick in one hand and a chainsaw in the other: patients perspectives of living with multimorbidity
Louise Signal, Kelly Semper, Jeannine Stairmand, Cheryl Davies, Elinor Millar, Tony Dowell, Ross Lawrenson, Dee Mangin, Diana Sarfati
Living with multimorbidity (two or more long-term health conditions) is becoming more common in both young and older New Zealanders. It disrupts people s 'normal' lives, posing challenges for many, yet people learn to cope by making changes to much of what they do (eg, eating, activity and employment). Dealing with the health care system for those with multimorbidity can be challenging and people value simple things like good communication and receiving care that is effective and respectful even when they are from a different cultural background to that of their health care provider. Health care system support is needed to help people with multimorbidity manage the challenge of dealing with multiple medications using simple aids such as blister packs. Improvements to the health care system are needed to better serve those people living with multimorbidity, their support people and health care providers, eg, longer consultation times with GP/primary care providers to discuss multiple health issues and medications.