Multi disease, more accurately termed multimorbidity, refers to the co-occurrence of two or more chronic diseases or conditions in the same individual. It's a patient-centered concept, focusing on the individual's overall health challenges rather than just one specific illness.
Multimorbidity differs from comorbidity, which typically describes the presence of additional conditions in relation to a specific "index" disease. Multimorbidity takes a broader view, considering all chronic conditions affecting a person simultaneously.
Key Aspects of Multimorbidity:
- Multiple Chronic Conditions: The defining characteristic is the presence of at least two long-term health problems. These can include diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and many others.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Multimorbidity emphasizes understanding the individual's experience of having multiple conditions and how they interact and affect their overall well-being.
- Complex Management: Managing multimorbidity is often more complex than treating single diseases. It can involve coordinating care across different specialists, managing multiple medications, and addressing the psychological and social impacts of living with multiple conditions.
Examples of Multimorbidity:
A person with multimorbidity might have:
- Diabetes and heart disease
- Arthritis and depression
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and osteoporosis
Significance of Understanding Multimorbidity:
Recognizing and addressing multimorbidity is important because:
- It is becoming increasingly common, especially in older adults.
- It is associated with poorer health outcomes, including increased mortality, disability, and healthcare costs.
- It requires a holistic approach to healthcare that considers the interaction of multiple conditions and the individual's overall well-being.
