living with multimorbidity, vs. 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Navigating systems of care and their intersections in the context of multimorbidity: a qualitative study of working age adults with long-term mental and physical health conditions.
IRAS ID
296264
Contact name
Esca van Blarikom
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Multimorbidity, or the presence of more than one long-term health condition, is considered a major challenge to health services around the world. Patients with multiple health conditions often need complex and ongoing care. It was commonly thought that multimorbidity was related to ageing. Recent studies have shown, however, that there are more people of working age living with multiple health conditions, especially with the combination of physical and mental illness. The occurrence of this type of multimorbidity is the highest in areas that are considered socially disadvantaged. This study will investigate the experiences of adults of working age (18-55 years) who have multiple physical and mental health conditions. We will set the study in Tower Hamlets, as this is considered a “socially disadvantaged” borough, although this does not mean that all participants are necessarily disadvantaged. The study will consist of in-depth interviews, ethnographic observations and creative visual methods. The main purpose of this study is to sensitise care providers and policymakers to the day-to-day experiences of living with multiple health conditions and add to a growing body of literature that advocates person-centred care. Eventually we hope to contribute towards the development of health services that are more acceptable for patients with complex health needs.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
21/IEC08/0022
Date of REC Opinion
19 Aug 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion