Empowering family carers of people with multimorbidity as partners in chronic health care: Insights from health professionals.

Abstract

People living with multimorbidity often rely on the support of informal family carers, yet challenges frequently arise when carers of people with multimorbidity (PwM) interact with health professionals (HPs) and healthcare systems. This study aimed to provide insights into the experiences and challenges involved in working with carers of PwM, from HPs' perspectives. Twenty-one HPs (11 doctors, 5 nurses and 5 allied health professionals) from varying specialities participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified: carer involvement makes multimorbidity easier to manage, differing views on HP's responsibilities to carers, multimorbidity makes management harder for HPs, strategies to support carers of PwM, and multimorbidity is one aspect of complexity. HPs recognise unique needs of carers of PwM, yet perceive challenges addressing these needs and supporting this commonly overlooked group. The unmet needs of carers of PwM that HPs identified in this study suggest pathways for future improvements and interventions, including HP education and training, and appropriate referral pathways for carers of PwM to access supportive services. Underpinning these findings is the need for greater recognition and respect for the critical work of family carers in healthcare.