Family Practice Info Most primary care patients have more than one chronic condition, according to a
study of 980 adult patients seen in family practice.
Researchers found that nine out of ten patients studied had more than one chronic condition, and approximately half of the patients had five or more.
The authors assert that such a high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions calls into question the very organization of our health services.
They point out that interventions that suit patients with a single disease may not be appropriate for patients with many comorbid conditions, and they suggest that practice guidelines should address special recommendations for patients with multiple conditions. Likewise, clinical trials of drugs would improve their external validity by including such patients.
They assert that new health care models that will meet the needs of these patients must emphasize the importance of innovative interventions and the development of new skills in the delivery of primary care.
Prevalence of Multimorbidity Among Adults Seen in Family Practice
By Martin Fortin, M.D., M.Sc., C.M.F.C., et al
Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new, evidence-based information affecting the primary care discipline. Launched in May 2003, the journal is sponsored by six family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Medicine, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors and the North American Primary Care Research Group. Annals is published six times each year and contains original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. A board of directors with representatives from each of the sponsoring organizations oversees Annals. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups for each published article can be accessed free of charge on the journal's Web site, http://www.annfammed.org.
Contact: Angela Lower
alower@hotmail.com
913-906-6253
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org
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