How do multi-morbidity and polypharmacy affect general practice attendance and referral rates? A retrospective analysis of consultations

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263258
• Publication Date: 2022-02-03T18:43:17Z
• Authors: Andrew O’Regan; Jane O’Doherty; Ray O’Connor; Walter Cullen; Vikram Niranjan; Liam Glynn; Ailish Hannigan
• Keywords: Attendance; Affect; Medical record

As prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy rise, health care systems must respond to these challenges. Data is needed from general practice regarding the impact age, number chronic illnesses medications on specific metrics healthcare utilisation.This was a retrospective study practices in university-affiliated education research network, consisting 72 practices. Records random sample 100 patients aged 50 years over who attended each participating previous two were analysed. Through manual record searching, data collected patient demographics, medications, numbers attendances practitioner (GP), nurse, home visits referrals hospital doctor. Attendance referral rates expressed per person-years for demographic variable ratio attendance rate also calculated.Of invited participate, 68 (94%) accepted, providing complete total 6603 patients' records 89,667 consultations with GP or nurse; 50.1% had been referred years. The 4.94 person year 0.6 year, giving eight every referral. Increasing associated increased nurse but did not significantly increase rate.As morbidity so too do all types practice. However, remains relatively stable. General be supported provide centred an ageing population rising multi-morbidity polypharmacy.