Person-Centered Models for Cardiovascular Care: A Review of the Evidence: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability in the United States and globally. Disease burden continues to escalate despite technological advances associated with improved life expectancy and quality of life. As a result, longer life is associated with multiple chronic cardiovascular conditions. Clinical guidelines provide recommendations without considering prevalent scenarios of multimorbidity and health system complexities that affect practical adoption. The diversity of personal preferences, cultures, and lifestyles that make up one's social and environmental context is often overlooked in ongoing care planning for symptom management and health behavior support, hindering adoption and compromising patient outcomes, particularly in groups at high risk. The purpose of this scientific statement was to describe the characteristics and reported outcomes in existing person-centered care delivery models for selected cardiovascular conditions. We conducted a scoping review using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase.com, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through Ovid, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2010 to 2022. A range of study designs with a defined aim to systematically evaluate care delivery models for selected cardiovascular conditions were included. Models were selected on the basis of their stated use of evidence-based guidelines, clinical decision support tools, systematic evaluation processes, and inclusion of the patient's perspective in defining the plan of care. Findings reflected variation in methodological approach, outcome measures, and care processes used across models. Evidence to support optimal care delivery models remains limited by inconsistencies in approach, variation in reimbursement, and inability of health systems to meet the needs of patients with chronic, complex cardiovascular conditions.

An expanded chronic care management approach to multiple chronic conditions in Hispanics using community health workers as community extenders in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

INTRODUCTION: The synergistic negative effects of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension increases all-cause mortality and the medical complexity of management, which disproportionately impact Hispanics who face barriers to healthcare access. The Salud y Vida intervention was delivered to Hispanic adults living along the Texas-Mexico Border with comorbid poorly controlled T2DM and hypertension. The Salud y Vida multicomponent intervention incorporated community health workers (CHWs) into an expanded chronic care management model to deliver home-based follow-up visits and provided community-based diabetes self-management education. METHODS: We conducted multivariable longitudinal analysis to examine the longitudinal intervention effect on reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure among 3806 participants enrolled between 2013 and 2019. Participants were compared according to their program participation as either higher (≥ 10 combined educational classes and CHW visits) or lower engagement (<10 encounters). Data was collected between 2013 and 2020. RESULTS: Baseline mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 138 and 81 mmHg respectively. There were overall improvements in systolic (-6.49; 95% CI = [-7.13, -5.85]; p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (-3.97; 95% CI = [-4.37, -3.56]; p < 0.001). The higher engagement group had greater systolic blood pressure reduction at 3 months (adjusted mean difference = -1.8 mmHg; 95% CI = [-3.2, -0.3]; p = 0.016) and at 15 month follow-up (adjusted mean difference = -2.3 mmHg; 95% CI = [-4.2, -0.39]; p = 0.0225) compared to the lower engagement group. CONCLUSION: This intervention, tested and delivered in a real-world setting, provides an example of how CHW integration into an expanded chronic care model can improve blood pressure outcomes for individuals with co-morbidities.

Patterns of multiple chronic conditions in pregnancy: Population-based study using latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) are a heterogeneous population with elevated risk of future adverse health outcomes. Yet, despite the increasing prevalence of MCC globally, data about MCC in pregnancy are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the population prevalence of MCC in pregnancy and determine whether certain types of chronic conditions cluster together among pregnant women with MCC. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada, of all 15-55-year-old women with a recognised pregnancy, from 2007 to 2020. MCC was assessed from a list of 22 conditions, identified using validated algorithms. We estimated the prevalence of MCC. Next, we used latent class analysis to identify classes of co-occurring chronic conditions in women with MCC, with model selection based on parsimony, clinical interpretability and statistical fit. RESULTS: Among 2,014,508 pregnancies, 324,735 had MCC (161.2 per 1000, 95% confidence interval [CI] 160.6, 161.8). Latent class analysis resulted in a five-class solution. In four classes, mood and anxiety disorders were prominent and clustered with one additional condition, as follows: Class 1 (22.4% of women with MCC), osteoarthritis; Class 2 (23.7%), obesity; Class 3 (15.8%), substance use disorders; and Class 4 (22.1%), asthma. In Class 5 (16.1%), four physical conditions clustered together: obesity, asthma, chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: MCC is common in pregnancy, with sub-types dominated by co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. These data show the importance of preconception and perinatal interventions, particularly integrated care strategies, to optimise treatment and stabilisation of chronic conditions in women with MCC.

Predictors of basic and instrumental activities of daily living among older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the predictors of functional status can be useful for improving modifiable predictors or identifying at-risk populations. Researchers have examined the predictors of functional status in older adults, but there has not been sufficient study in this field in older adults with multiple chronic conditions, especially in Iran. Consequently, the results of this body of research may not be generalizable to Iran. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the predictors of functional status in Iranian older adults with multiple chronic conditions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 118 Iranian older adults with multiple chronic conditions were recruited from December 2022 to September 2023. They were invited to respond to questionnaires inquiring about their demographic and health information, basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), depression and cognitive status. The predictors included age, gender, marital status, education, number of chronic conditions, and depression. Descriptive and analytical statistical tests (univariate and multiple regression analysis) were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The majority of participants were married (63.9%) and women (59.3%). Based on the results of the multiple regression analysis, age (B=-0.04, P = 0.04), depression (B=-0.12, P = 0.04), and IADL (B = 0.46, P < 0.001) were significant predictors for functional status in terms of BADL. Also, marital status (B=-0.51, P = 0.05), numbers of chronic conditions (B=-0.61, P = 0.002), and BADL (B = 0.46, P < 0.001) were significant predictors for functional status in terms of IADL. CONCLUSION: The findings support the predictive ability of age, marital status, number of chronic diseases, and depression for the functional status. Older adults with multiple chronic conditions who are older, single, depressed and with more chronic conditions number are more likely to have limitations in functional status. Therefore, nurses and other health care providers can benefit from the results of this study and identify and pay more attention to the high risk older adult population.

Multimorbidity clusters in adults 50 years or older with and without a history of cancer: National Health Interview Survey, 2018.

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity is increasing among adults in the United States. Yet limited research has examined multimorbidity clusters in persons aged 50 years and older with and without a history of cancer. An increased understanding of multimorbidity clusters may improve the cancer survivorship experience for survivors with multimorbidity. METHODS: We identified 7580 adults aged 50 years and older with 2 or more diseases-including 811 adults with a history of primary breast, colorectal, cervical, prostate, or lung cancer-from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey. Exploratory factor analysis identified clusters of multimorbidity among cancer survivors and individuals without a history of cancer (controls). Frequency tables and chi-square tests were performed to determine overall differences in sociodemographic characteristics, health-related characteristics, and multimorbidity between groups. RESULTS: Cancer survivors reported a higher prevalence of having 4 or more diseases compared to controls (57% and 38%, respectively). Our analysis identified 6 clusters for cancer survivors and 4 clusters for controls. Three clusters (pulmonary, cardiac, and liver) included the same diseases for cancer survivors and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Diseases clustered differently across adults ≥ 50 years of age with and without a history of cancer. Findings from this study may be used to inform clinical care, increase the development and dissemination of multilevel public health interventions, escalate system improvements, and initiate innovative policy reform.

Multimorbidity and associated informal care receiving characteristics for US older adults: a latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Older adults with varying patterns of multimorbidity may require distinct types of care and rely on informal caregiving to meet their care needs. This study aims to identify groups of older adults with distinct, empirically-determined multimorbidity patterns and compare characteristics of informal care received among estimated classes. METHODS: Data are from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Ten chronic conditions were included to estimate multimorbidity patterns among 7532 individuals using latent class analysis. Multinomial logistic regression model was estimated to examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics, health status and lifestyle variables, care-receiving characteristics and latent class membership. RESULTS: A four-class solution identified the following multimorbidity groups: some somatic conditions with moderate cognitive impairment (30%), cardiometabolic (25%), musculoskeletal (24%), and multisystem (21%). Compared with those who reported receiving no help, care recipients who received help with household activities only (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.05-1.98), mobility but not self-care (OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.05-2.53), or self-care but not mobility (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.29-3.31) had greater likelihood of being in the multisystem group versus the some-somatic group. Having more caregivers was associated with higher odds of being in the multisystem group compared with the some-somatic group (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.18), whereas receiving help from paid helpers was associated with lower odds of being in the multisystem group (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.19-0.77). CONCLUSIONS: Results highlighted different care needs among persons with distinct combinations of multimorbidity, in particular the wide range of informal needs among older adults with multisystem multimorbidity. Policies and interventions should recognize the differential care needs associated with multimorbidity patterns to better provide person-centered care.

Multimorbidity and frailty are associated with poorer SARS-CoV-2-related outcomes: systematic review of population-based studies.

BACKGROUND: Estimating the risks and impacts of COVID-19 for different health groups at the population level is essential for orienting public health measures. Adopting a population-based approach, we conducted a systematic review to explore: (1) the etiological role of multimorbidity and frailty in developing SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related short-term outcomes; and (2) the prognostic role of multimorbidity and frailty in developing short- and long-term outcomes. This review presents the state of the evidence in the early years of the pandemic. It was conducted within the European Union Horizon 2020 program (No: 101018317); Prospero registration: CRD42021249444. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, World Health Organisation COVID-19 Global literature on coronavirus disease, and PsycINFO were searched between January 2020 and 7 April 2021 for multimorbidity and 1 February 2022 for frailty. Quantitative peer-reviewed studies published in English with population-representative samples and validated multimorbidity and frailty tools were considered. RESULTS: Overall, 9,701 records were screened by title/abstract and 267 with full text. Finally, 14 studies were retained for multimorbidity (etiological role, n = 2; prognostic, n = 13) and 5 for frailty (etiological role, n = 2; prognostic, n = 4). Only short-term outcomes, mainly mortality, were identified. An elevated likelihood of poorer outcomes was associated with an increasing number of diseases, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, different disease combinations, and an increasing frailty level. DISCUSSION: Future studies, which include the effects of recent virus variants, repeated exposure and vaccination, will be useful for comparing the possible evolution of the associations observed in the earlier waves.

Perceived stress, positive psychological capital and health literacy in patients with multiple chronic conditions: A structural equation modelling.

AIM: To investigate the structural relationships among perceived stress (PS), positive psychological capital (PsyCap) and health literacy (HL) in patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and construct a model to explore the relationships of PS and PsyCap on HL. BACKGROUND: HL is critical in the rehabilitation and management of patients with MCC. Extensive understanding of the relationships between research variables can help nursing staff to implement effective programmes that improve the level of HL of patients. However, currently there is no research that has evaluated the structural relationships among these variables using a single model. METHODS: This study adhered to the STROBE guidelines for reporting cross-sectional studies. The Health Literacy Scale for Chronic Patients, Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS) and Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire were used to assess HL, PS and PsyCap, respectively. Questionnaires were distributed to 317 patients with MCC attending a tertiary general care hospital in China from February to May 2023, using convenience sampling approach. Structural equation modelling was used to validate the proposed model. RESULTS: The findings showed that PS has a negative relationship with HL and PsyCap. PS was indirectly associated with HL through PsyCap. The results indicated that PsyCap was positively associated with HL. The PS and PsyCap explained 64% of the variance in HL. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that the proposed model had high validity and structural relationships between chosen variables were observed for MCC patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These results may help nursing staff develop strategies to improve the HL of patients with MCC, which should focus on reducing PS and enhancing PsyCap to improve HL. Nursing staff can provide targeted psychological counselling and health guidance for patients to alleviate negative emotions and further promote their HL. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Participate in research and fill out questionnaires.

Self-identified culturally related stressors that influence self-care in older adults with multiple chronic conditions: A qualitative study.

AIM: To identify culturally related stressors that influence self-care in Chinese older adults with multiple chronic conditions. BACKGROUND: Effective self-care can improve health outcomes for chronic conditions, but implementing self-care is challenging. Individuals with multiple chronic conditions face even more self-care complexity than those with single chronic conditions, generating additional stressors. Although stressors have been found to negatively influence self-care in multiple chronic conditions, the role of culture in generating stressors has been neglected. DESIGN: This paper reports on the qualitative component of a larger mixed-methods study. Two free-response items in a survey were used to identify culturally related stressors that influence self-care. This report adhered to the SRQR guideline checklist. METHODS: Data were collected between January and April 2022. One hundred and thirty-eight free text responses asking participants to identify stressors that influenced their self-care effectiveness were analysed sequentially using deductive content analysis and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Findings from deductive content analysis largely confirmed published work in Western literature on stressors complicating self-care, including symptom burdens, financial strains, social disconnection, caregiving responsibilities and major life events. Findings from reflexive thematic analysis extended current literature by identifying three culturally relevant stressors: intergenerational obligations and commitments, ambivalence about receiving care and worries about potential problems. CONCLUSION: Chinese older adults with multiple chronic conditions identified a wide range of stressors that impacted their day-to-day self-care. This study provided valuable insights into culturally related stressors in older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Findings deepened our knowledge of cultural influences on the success of self-care in older adults with multiple chronic conditions, suggesting the potential for reaching populations across different cultures and regions. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Stressors that might influence self-care ability are important for nurses to assess in people with multiple chronic conditions. The design of self-care interventions should take a culturally tailored intergenerational family-centred approach to help mitigate the impact of stressors and ultimately improve patient outcomes. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? Stressors documented in older adults with MCCs have all been generated from research with Western populations. China is now home to the largest population of older people in the world. Understanding the influence of culturally relevant stressors on self-care in Chinese older adults with MCCs is lacking. What were the main findings? Findings from deductive content analysis largely confirmed published work in Western literature on stressors that complicated self-care, including symptom burdens, financial strains, social disconnection, caregiving responsibilities and major life events. Findings from reflexive thematic analysis extended current literature by identifying three culturally relevant stressors in older adults with MCCs in China: intergenerational obligations and commitments, ambivalence about receiving care and worries about potential problems. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The research will have an impact on guiding nurses' assessment of culturally relevant stressors' impact on self-care for older adults with MCCs. In addition, findings could inform research and policy development to aim at mitigating the impact of culturally based stressors on self-care. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guideline checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: During the member-checking process, the validation of findings for accuracy was carried out by 10 participants, who also found resonance between these findings and their own experiences.

Transitional care model for older adults with multiple chronic conditions: An evaluation of benefits utilising an umbrella review.

AIMS: To synthesise and describe the combined evidence from systematic reviews of interventions using elements from the Transitional Care Model, on the content and timeframe of the interventions and the related improvement of outcomes for older patients with multiple chronic conditions. BACKGROUND: The population of older patients with multiple chronic conditions is increasing worldwide and trajectories are often complicated by risk factors. The Transitional Care Model may contain elements to support transitions between hospital and home. DESIGN: An umbrella review. REVIEW METHODS: A comprehensive search in five electronic databases was performed in April 2021 based on the search terms: 'Patients ≥60 years,' 'multi-morbidity,' 'Transitional care model,' 'Transitional care,' and 'Systematic review.' PRISMA guidelines was used. RESULTS: Five systematic reviews published from 2011 to 2020 comprising 62 intervention studies (59 randomised controlled trials and three quasi-experimental trials) were included in the review. The synthesis predominantly revealed significant improvements in decreasing re-admissions and financial costs and increasing patients' quality of life and satisfaction during discharge. CONCLUSION: The results of the review indicate that multiple elements from the Transitional Care Model have achieved significant improvements in older patients' transitions from hospital to home. Especially a combination of coordination, communication, collaboration and continuity of care in transitions, organised information and education for patients and pre-arranged structured post-discharge follow-ups. IMPACT: The transition from hospital to home is a complex process for older patients with multiple chronic conditions. A specific focus on coordination, continuity, and patient education should be implemented in the discharge process. Nurses with specialised knowledge in transitional care are needed to ensure safe transitions. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The umbrella review is part of a larger research program which involved a patient expert advisory board, which participated in discussing the relevance of the elements within the umbrella review.

Healthcare service use for children with chronic complex diseases: A longitudinal six-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: The objective was analysed the patterns use of healthcare services of this population and the influence of their clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. DESIGN AND METHODS: A six-year longitudinal follow-up study was performed to evaluate the annual healthcare resources use and clinical data among children with complex chronic diseases in Spain between 2015 and 2021. The sample trends in healthcare usage and the associated factors were analysed using ANCOVA and multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: Patients had high attendance during the follow-up period, with >15 episodes year. This trend decreased over time, especially in children with oncological diseases compared with other diseases (F (16.75; 825.4) = 32.457; p < 0.001). A multivariable model showed that children with a greater number of comorbidities (ß = 0.17), shorter survival time (ß = -0.23), who had contact with the palliative care unit (ß = 0.16), and whose mothers had a higher professional occupation (ß = 0.14), had a greater use of the healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS: Children with a higher number of comorbidities and the use of medical devices made a greater frequentation of health services, showing a trend of decreasing use over time. Socioeconomic factors such as mothers' occupational status determine healthcare frequentation. These results suggest the existence of persistent gaps in care coordination sustained over time. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Systematized and coordinated models of care for this population should consider the presence of inequalities in health care use.

The Intersection of Geriatrics, Climate Change, and Wilderness Medicine: Education is Critical.

According to the US Census, for the first time in history, older adults are projected to exceed the number of children by 2035. These seniors are headed to the outdoors in increasing numbers and face unique risks. They benefit from careful pre-event evaluation planning to maintain their health in wilderness environments. Climate change is affecting all of us, but seniors are considered an especially vulnerable group. This vulnerability needs to be addressed not only when older adults head into the wilderness but also when the wilderness "comes to them" in areas where wilderness medicine and disaster medicine overlap. Education of both providers and patients is vital. This article aims to discuss the special needs of older adults/seniors /elders (defined as those over 65 unless otherwise indicated) in the wilderness as well as the vulnerability of older adults to climate change, both during planned wilderness activities and when the wilderness "comes to them" because of climate change, and to identify opportunities for education and adaptation of patients and education of physicians and wilderness and disaster responders to care for these older patients. The PubMed and Google Scholar Database search engines were utilized to review relevant English language publications between 2000 and 2023 that addressed individuals over 65 and explored the overlap of geriatrics (aged over 65), wilderness and disaster medicine, and climate change and create a perspective summary. Because of increased numbers of older adults heading into the wilderness for outdoor activities or having wilderness thrust upon them due to climate change, cross training of all specialties including the fields of emergency, geriatrics, wilderness medicine, and disaster medicine is needed in collaboration with other organizations and search and rescue. Response agencies must recognize that training in wilderness medicine provides a background for practitioners working in dangerous and remote settings and ought to seek out individuals with such skills when placing responders in the field. Climate change is making these intersections and the need for this education more urgent with time.

Temporal trends and correlates in multiple hospitalizations among older adults: findings from a nationally representative sample in China.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the trends and correlates in multiple hospitalizations among older adults in China. METHODS: The data were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and generalized ordered logit model (GOLM) was used to identify the correlates of multiple hospitalizations among older adults aged≥60 years old. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2018, the proportion of older adults having multiple hospitalizations in the past year showed an increasing trend in the total sample (p value for trend = 0.014). Being older, male, illiterate, living in the middle/western region, having higher annual per capita household expenditure, health insurance, multimorbidity, and being depressed were associated with increased odds of multiple hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that older adults with multiple hospitalizations may expect an increasing burden on healthcare system. More efforts are needed to improve health insurance and primary healthcare to reduce avoidable hospitalizations.

Network analysis of the urban-rural differences in depressive symptoms among older adults with multiple chronic conditions: Evidence from a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the differences in depressive symptoms among older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) in urban and rural areas is limited. METHODS: Measures of depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-10) and demographic factors (age, gender, and urban-rural distribution) were used. RESULTS: A total of 4021 older adults with MCCs were included in this study. Significant differences were observed in both network global strength (Urban: 3.989 vs. Rural: 3.703, S = 0.286, p = 0.003) and network structure (M = 0.139, p = 0.002) between urban and rural residents. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the need for region-specific approaches to understanding and addressing depression and holds the potential to enhance understanding of the psychological health status of older adults with MCCs in urban and rural settings.

Association between ethnicity and migration status with the prevalence of single and multiple long-term conditions in UK healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers' (HCW) well-being has a direct effect on patient care. However, little is known about the prevalence and patterns of long-term medical conditions in HCWs, especially those from ethnic minorities. This study evaluated the burden of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs), i.e. the presence of two or more single long-term conditions (LTCs), among HCWs in the United Kingdom (UK) and variation by ethnicity and migration status. METHODS: We used baseline data from the UK-REACH cohort study collected December 2020-March 2021. We used multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic, occupational and lifestyle factors to examine the relationship between self-reported LTCs/MLTCs and ethnicity, migration status and time since migration to the UK. RESULTS: Of 12,100 included HCWs, with a median age of 45 years (IQR: 34-54), 27% were overseas-born, and 30% were from non-White ethnic groups (19% Asian, 4% Black, 4% Mixed, 2% Other). The most common self-reported LTCs were anxiety (14.9%), asthma (12.2%), depression (10.7%), hypertension (8.7%) and diabetes (4.0%). Mental health conditions were more prevalent among UK-born than overseas-born HCWs for all ethnic groups (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) using White UK-born as the reference group each time: White overseas-born 0.77, 95%CI 0.66-0.95 for anxiety). Diabetes and hypertension were more common among Asian (e.g. Asian overseas, diabetes aOR 2.97, 95%CI 2.30-3.83) and Black (e.g. Black UK-born, hypertension aOR 1.77, 95%CI 1.05-2.99) groups than White UK-born. After adjustment for age, sex and deprivation, the odds of reporting MLTCs were lower in most ethnic minority groups and lowest for those born overseas, compared to White UK-born (e.g. White overseas-born, aOR 0.68, 95%CI 0.55-0.83; Asian overseas-born aOR 0.75, 95%CI 0.62-0.90; Black overseas-born aOR 0.52, 95%CI 0.36-0.74). The odds of MLTCs in overseas-born HCWs were equivalent to the UK-born population in those who had settled in the UK for ≥ 20 years (aOR 1.14, 95%CI 0.94-1.37). CONCLUSIONS: Among UK HCWs, the prevalence of common LTCs and odds of reporting MLTCs varied by ethnicity and migrant status. The lower odds of MLTCs in migrant HCWs reverted to the odds of MLTCs in UK-born HCWs over time. Further research on this population should include longitudinal studies with linkage to healthcare records. Interventions should be co-developed with HCWs from different ethnic and migrant groups focussed upon patterns of conditions prevalent in specific HCW subgroups to reduce the overall burden of LTCs/MLTCs.

The development of a core outcome set for studies of pregnant women with multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneity in reported outcomes can limit the synthesis of research evidence. A core outcome set informs what outcomes are important and should be measured as a minimum in all future studies. We report the development of a core outcome set applicable to observational and interventional studies of pregnant women with multimorbidity. METHODS: We developed the core outcome set in four stages: (i) a systematic literature search, (ii) three focus groups with UK stakeholders, (iii) two rounds of Delphi surveys with international stakeholders and (iv) two international virtual consensus meetings. Stakeholders included women with multimorbidity and experience of pregnancy in the last 5 years, or are planning a pregnancy, their partners, health or social care professionals and researchers. Study adverts were shared through stakeholder charities and organisations. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included in the systematic literature search (2017 to 2021) reporting 185 outcomes. Thematic analysis of the focus groups added a further 28 outcomes. Two hundred and nine stakeholders completed the first Delphi survey. One hundred and sixteen stakeholders completed the second Delphi survey where 45 outcomes reached Consensus In (≥70% of all participants rating an outcome as Critically Important). Thirteen stakeholders reviewed 15 Borderline outcomes in the first consensus meeting and included seven additional outcomes. Seventeen stakeholders reviewed these 52 outcomes in a second consensus meeting, the threshold was ≥80% of all participants voting for inclusion. The final core outcome set included 11 outcomes. The five maternal outcomes were as follows: maternal death, severe maternal morbidity, change in existing long-term conditions (physical and mental), quality and experience of care and development of new mental health conditions. The six child outcomes were as follows: survival of baby, gestational age at birth, neurodevelopmental conditions/impairment, quality of life, birth weight and separation of baby from mother for health care needs. CONCLUSIONS: Multimorbidity in pregnancy is a new and complex clinical research area. Following a rigorous process, this complexity was meaningfully reduced to a core outcome set that balances the views of a diverse stakeholder group.

US Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions Perceptions of Provider-Patient Communication: Trends and Racial Disparities from MEPS 2013-2019.

BACKGROUND: Multiple chronic conditions (MCC) require complex patient-centered approaches with effective provider-patient communication. OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in patient perceptions of provider-patient communication during non-emergency care and identify associated racial disparities in US older adults with MCC. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Observational study using pooled US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2013-2019) data included adults > 65 with two or more chronic conditions. MAIN MEASURES: Provider-patient communication was measured by four indicators (how often their doctor explained things clearly, listened carefully, showed respect, and spent enough time with them). The primary outcomes were the annual rates of reporting "always" for the communication indicators. Cochran-Armitage trend tests examined the trends of reporting "always" and associated racial disparities. Multivariable logistic regression identified racial and other factors associated with respondents choosing "always" for one or more categories for provider-patient communication, defined as positive communication. RESULTS: Among 9758 older adults with MCC, declining trends for positive communication were shown across all provider-patient communication categories during 2013 to 2019 (p<0.001). The greatest decrease occurred in "always listening carefully", from 68.6% in 2013 to 59.1% in 2019 (p<0.001). The declining trends of four communication measures in non-Hispanic Whites with MCC were significant (p<0.001). Older adults from Hispanic or Non-Hispanic Black racial backgrounds were 28 to 51% more likely to report "always" for the four indicators of provider-patient communication than non-Hispanic Whites after adjusting for respondents' characteristics. CONCLUSION: The rates of "always" reporting positive communication with providers significantly declined from 2013 to 2019 in older adults with MCC, particularly in non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks were more likely to report positive communication with providers than other races.

A Cluster Randomized Trial of Primary Care Practice Redesign to Integrate Behavioral Health for Those Who Need It Most: Patients With Multiple Chronic Conditions.

PURPOSE: Patient outcomes can improve when primary care and behavioral health providers use a collaborative system of care, but integrating these services is difficult. We tested the effectiveness of a practice intervention for improving patient outcomes by enhancing integrated behavioral health (IBH) activities. METHODS: We conducted a pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial. The intervention combined practice redesign, quality improvement coaching, provider and staff education, and collaborative learning. At baseline and 2 years, staff at 42 primary care practices completed the Practice Integration Profile (PIP) as a measure of IBH. Adult patients with multiple chronic medical and behavioral conditions completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) survey. Primary outcomes were the change in 8 PROMIS-29 domain scores. Secondary outcomes included change in level of integration. RESULTS: Intervention assignment had no effect on change in outcomes reported by 2,426 patients who completed both baseline and 2-year surveys. Practices assigned to the intervention improved PIP workflow scores but not PIP total scores. Baseline PIP total score was significantly associated with patient-reported function, independent of intervention. Active practices that completed intervention workbooks (n = 13) improved patient-reported outcomes and practice integration (P ≤ .05) compared with other active practices (n = 7). CONCLUSION: Intervention assignment had no effect on change in patient outcomes; however, we did observe improved patient outcomes among practices that entered the study with greater IBH. We also observed more improvement of integration and patient outcomes among active practices that completed the intervention compared to active practices that did not. Additional research is needed to understand how implementation efforts to enhance IBH can best reach patients.

Key outcomes for reporting in studies of pregnant women with multiple long-term conditions: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal multiple long-term conditions are associated with adverse outcomes for mother and child. We conducted a qualitative study to inform a core outcome set for studies of pregnant women with multiple long-term conditions. METHODS: Women with two or more pre-existing long-term physical or mental health conditions, who had been pregnant in the last five years or planning a pregnancy, their partners and health care professionals were eligible. Recruitment was through social media, patients and health care professionals' organisations and personal contacts. Participants who contacted the study team were purposively sampled for maximum variation. Three virtual focus groups were conducted from December 2021 to March 2022 in the United Kingdom: (i) health care professionals (n = 8), (ii) women with multiple long-term conditions (n = 6), and (iii) women with multiple long-term conditions (n = 6) and partners (n = 2). There was representation from women with 20 different physical health conditions and four mental health conditions; health care professionals from obstetrics, obstetric/maternal medicine, midwifery, neonatology, perinatal psychiatry, and general practice. Participants were asked what outcomes should be reported in all studies of pregnant women with multiple long-term conditions. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Outcomes identified in the focus groups were mapped to those identified in a systematic literature search in the core outcome set development. RESULTS: The focus groups identified 63 outcomes, including maternal (n = 43), children's (n = 16) and health care utilisation (n = 4) outcomes. Twenty-eight outcomes were new when mapped to the systematic literature search. Outcomes considered important were generally similar across stakeholder groups. Women emphasised outcomes related to care processes, such as information sharing when transitioning between health care teams and stages of pregnancy (continuity of care). Both women and partners wanted to be involved in care decisions and to feel informed of the risks to the pregnancy and baby. Health care professionals additionally prioritised non-clinical outcomes, including quality of life and financial implications for the women; and longer-term outcomes, such as children's developmental outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings will inform the design of a core outcome set. Participants' experiences provided useful insights of how maternity care for pregnant women with multiple long-term conditions can be improved.

Ethnic and geographic variations in multiple chronic conditions among community-dwelling older people in Xinjiang: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple chronic conditions (MCC) refer to the presence of two or more chronic diseases. The incidence of MCC is higher in older people, and increases with age. Studies have shown an association between MCC and increased adverse outcome, as well as the higher mortality, decline of physical function, and poor quality of life in older populations. Herein, for the first time we provide the data of ethnic and geographic variations in the prevalence of MCC among community-dwelling older people in Xinjiang, China. METHODS: A multilevel random sampling method was employed to perform an epidemiological survey in community-dwelling older adults in southern, northern, and eastern Xinjiang between January 2019 to December 2019. In total, 87,000 participants volunteered, with a response rate of 96.67%; 490 participants with incomplete data were excluded and data from 86,510 participants were analyzed. RESULTS: Our analysis demonstrated that hypertension (51.5%), obesity (27.0%), diabetes (16.9%), heart disease (8.2%), and anxiety/depression (4.5%) were the five main chronic diseases in Xinjiang. The prevalence of MCC in the population surveyed was 33.4% (95%CI, 33.1-33.7). The prevalence in females was 36.6% (95%CI, 36.1-37), which was higher than that in male (30%,95%CI, 29.5-30.4). The prevalence of MCC in older people aged 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, and ≥ 90 years was 32.7% (95%CI, 32.2-33.3), 34.3% (95%CI, 33.9-34.7), 32.5% (95% CI, 31.7-33.3), and 25.9% (95% CI, 23.5-28.3) respectively. As far as the ethnic group was concerned, the prevalence of MCC in Uygur, Han, Kazak, Hui, and Mongolian was 31.3% (95%CI, 30.9-31.7), 34.4% (95%CI, 33.9-35), 40.4% (95%CI, 39.1-41.8), 40.8% (95%CI, 38.9-42.7), 44.4% (95%CI, 38.1-50.6), respectively. The prevalence of MCC was 32.8% (95%CI, 32.1-33.5), 31.7% (95%CI, 31.2-32.1), 36.0% (95%CI, 35.3-36.7) and 39.2% (95%CI, 38.1-40.3) among uneducated, educated for 1-6, 7-9, and more than 10 years. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, and education by level, the binary logistic analysis showed that, compared with eastern Xinjiang, the risk of MCC in the southern area was increased (odds ratio [OR], 1.418; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.367-1.471), and it was relatively higher in northern Xinjiang (OR, 2.021; 95% CI, 1.944-2.102). Compared with Uygur, Han, Kazakh, Hui and Mongolian had an increased risk of MCC, which was (OR, 1.075; 95% CI, 1.040-1.111), (OR, 1.414; 95% CI, 1.332-1.501), (OR, 1.515; 95% CI, 1.396-1.644), (OR, 1.566; 95% CI, 1.216-2.017), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There are ethnic and geographic variations in multiple chronic conditions among community-dwelling older people in Xinjiang. The older adults living in northern and southern Xinjiang and Han, Kazakh, Mongolian and Hui older adults have a higher risk of MCC.