Patient-reported outcomes in multimorbidity intervention research: A scoping review

Background: Although chronic disease management interventions for persons with multimorbidity are offered in primary healthcare, a strong evidence base supporting such interventions is still lacking. Part of this problem is due to the heterogeneity in the use of outcome measures in multimorbidity intervention research. Objectives: This review aims to describe and map outcome measurement in chronic disease management intervention research for people with multimorbidity. Design: A scoping review of multiple chronic disease management intervention studies published between January 1996 and July 2017. Data sources: Search of the academic literature was undertaken in the MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO electronic databases. Results: Twenty-two studies were identified, 56 outcomes were reported, grouped into 18 categories and six emergent domains of outcomes: General health, Psychosocial, Disease management, Health-related behaviours, Functional and Health services. Quality of life, health-related behaviors and self-efficacy were the most reported outcome categories, while patient satisfaction, communication with providers and adverse outcomes were rarely reported. Conclusions: The mapping and description brought to light the large heterogeneity of outcome categories and measures. The organization proposed in this paper could contribute to improved outcome selection for research, care and policy and lead to the creation of adapted patient-related outcome measures.