Resources
Ask the Geriatricians: Managing Multiple Health Problems
Ask the Expert
Cynthia M. Boyd, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Matthew K. McNabney, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Co-Chairs, AGS Expert Panel on the Care of Older Adults with Multimorbidity
Q: What is multimorbidity?
A: Multimorbidity is the medical term for having multiple ongoing (chronic) health problems—“multi” means many and “morbidity” means disease. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis are examples of ongoing health problems. 50% of adults age 65 and older have three or more health problems.
Q: Why is it difficult to manage multiple health problems in older adults?
A: Taking care of older patients with multiple chronic health problems can be tricky, even for healthcare professionals who specialize in caring for older adults. Because medicines can cause side effects and may interact with one another, it can be challenging to safely prescribe medications for older adults with multiple medical problems. A drug prescribed for one disorder may cause or make another problem worse.
Most medical trials (research studies) used to test new drugs and other treatments often exclude older adults with multimorbidity. This means that there is less information about how drugs and other treatments affect patients with multiple health problems. As a result, most guidelines for healthcare providers focus on how they should manage a single disease or disorder, instead of how to manage a patient with multiple disorders.
Q: I have more than one ongoing health problem. What can I do to best manage them?
A: You are your best advocate for your care! The more you understand about your health problems and your care, the better able you will be to work with your healthcare professionals about your concerns.
The Healthinaging.org tip sheet on Living with Multiple Health Problems outlines specific steps to help you work with your healthcare professional in managing your care.
Good communication between you and your healthcare professional is essential in good care. It is important that you provide your healthcare professional with all of the information about your health and that you ask questions. You can find tips on communicating with your healthcare professional here.
Q: What is #3orMore?
A: #3orMore is the Twitter hashtag that Healthinaging.org is using to help increase awareness among caregivers and patients about managing three or more health problems. Follow the conversation as we discuss managing #3orMore health problems with the professional and patient communities.
Updated: September 2012
Posted: September 2012