International multimorbidity

SAPC 2023 SIG Meeting

 

Attending my first SAPC conference was a fantastic experience, but a definite highlight for me was attending the inaugural Specialty Interest Group (SIG) session on multimorbidity. As a general practitioner, educator, and researcher, I have always been interested in understanding how we educate about and manage multimorbidity and complexity in the consultation room. However, as a professional accustomed to engaging in educational spheres, I was not sure what to expect from this meeting! Unsurprisingly, I was warmly welcomed by fellow primary care researchers who share my interest in studying multiple long-term conditions. In this blog post, I will share three reflections from the meeting and discuss the potential of this research group.

 

A thriving network of multimorbidity researchers

 

The SIG meeting demonstrated a strong desire for knowledge sharing and collaboration in the field of multimorbidity. More than twenty-two passionate individuals attended, representing diverse backgrounds and interests. As each attendee introduced their experiences and research interests, it was fascinating to see the complexity of the topic and to appreciate the numerous ways in which it has been explored.

 

Witnessing researchers connect and find like-minded individuals with similar research interests was genuinely inspiring. There is definite potential for creating more spaces for such meetings to occur. However, there was a clear benefit to holding the meeting face-to-face, and I imagine that greater effort would be required to replicate the same atmosphere in an online setting. Although not easy, it can definitely be achieved. Certainly, the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration looks promising, which bodes well for the future of multimorbidity research in primary care.

 

Bridging the gap in understanding

 

Despite multimorbidity being studied across various domains, there was a consensus among attendees that multimorbidity is still widely misunderstood. While healthcare professionals can define the term, there is a perceived lack of knowledge on how to manage multimorbidity in the real world and even fewer resources on how to educate about the topic. To address this gap, the group has decided to pool resources and talents to create an online seminar or e-learning resource dedicated to demystifying the topic of multimorbidity. Such educational initiatives hold immense potential to raise awareness about the subject. By empowering ourselves and others with knowledge, we aim to bridge the gap and foster a more informed approach to this challenging topic. Stay tuned for an update on this.

 

Seizing the potential of the SIG Group

 

The enthusiasm and passion displayed by everyone at the SIG meeting indicated that this initiative has the potential to thrive. However, the real test will be in the next few months, as active participation is essential for the network to flourish. Together, we

can create a space for advancing knowledge sharing and innovation in multimorbidity research. Initiatives like this can easily lose momentum if we do not follow up and engage. So, if you are interested in either presenting your work or contributing to the creation of a seminar, please reach out!

 

What is next?

 

Attending the multimorbidity SIG was a highlight of my SAPC experience. I now feel a renewed sense of purpose as I interact with my students and research colleagues at the University of Glasgow. There is a strong appetite to pool resources and leverage the group's collective power for good. So, let us take the next step and make it happen. If you are not already on the multimorbidity SIG mailing list, be sure to join us and make yourselves available for the next meeting, which will be held in the coming months. I am certainly looking forward to it!

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First published: 17 August 2023