Health inequalities, multimorbidity and primary care in Scotland

• DOI: 10.7861/fhj.2023-0069
• Publication Date: 2023-11-30T09:25:12Z
• Authors: Stewart W Mercer; David Blane; Eddie Donaghy; David Henderson; Carey Lunan; Kieran Sweeney
• Keywords: Multimorbidity; Social Inequality

<h3>ABSTRACT</h3> Scotland has an ageing population and the widest health inequalities in Western Europe. Multiple conditions develop ∼10–15 years earlier deprived areas than affluent areas. General practice is central to effective safe management of such complex multiple conditions, but inverse care law permeated communities ('Deep End' general practices) for past 50 years. A new, radical, Scottish GP contract was introduced April 2018, which a vision improve quality through cluster working expansion multidisciplinary team (MDT), enabling GPs deliver 'expert generalism' patients with needs. It states specific intention address also support integration social care. Here, we discuss recent evidence whether ambition new contract, reduce inequalities, being achieved.