Multi-morbidity: A patient perspective on navigating the health care system and everyday life

Abstract

Objective The importance of everyday life when managing the burden of treatment is rarely studied. This article explores the burden of treatment among people with multi-morbidity by investigating the tension between everyday life and the health care system. Method This was an ethnographic study using individual interviews and participant-observations. An inductive analytical approach was applied, moving from observations and results to broader generalisations. Results People with multi-morbidity experience dilemmas related to their individual priorities in everyday life and the management of their treatment burdens. Dilemmas were identified within three domains: family and social life; work life; agendas and set goals in appointments with health professionals. Individual resources and priorities in everyday life play a dominant role in resolving dilemmas and navigating the tension between everyday life and the health care system. Discussion People with multi-morbidity are seldom supported by health professionals in resolving the dilemmas they must face. This study suggests an increased focus on patient-centredness and argues in favour of planning health care through cooperation between health professionals and people with multi-morbidity in a way that integrates both health and everyday life priorities.