Differences in patient-reported outcomes across multimorbidity profiles in primary care: evidence from the first cycle of the OECD Patient Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS).
Well-being was lowest among primary care patients with cardiometabolic plus mental health multimorbidity.
Differences in patient-reported outcomes across multimorbidity profiles in primary care: evidence from the first cycle of the OECD Patient Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS).
Multimorbidity is a growing challenge for healthcare systems worldwide, yet policymakers and healthcare professionals often lack evidence on how distinct multimorbidity profiles (capturing co-occurrence of chronic conditions) relate to patient-reported outcomes and experiences.
This study examines how mutually exclusive multimorbidity profiles are associated with physical health, mental health, and well-being and whether these associations are modified by healthcare experiences.
We analysed data from 102 786 primary care patients aged ≥ 45 years participating in the OECD Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys) across 19 countries (2023-2024).
Compared with the cardiometabolic-only reference group, physical health scores were significantly lower among patients with cardiometabolic + mental + other (b=-2.07) and mental and/or other‑only profiles (b=-2.94) (p < 0.05).
Profiles including mental health conditions were associated with lower scores on mental health outcomes.
Continuity of care showed overall limited effects.
Differences in patient-reported outcomes suggest that health systems may need to better adapt to the needs of people with multimorbidity.
Profiles involving mental health conditions are associated with poorer patient‑reported outcomes, stressing the importance of implementing person-centred integrated care models within primary care and beyond.