Complex multimorbidity in Australia

This research published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Public Health used a random sample of 8707 patients visiting 290 general practitioners to measure the prevalence of multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity in the Australian population and to identify the most prevalent patterns of chronic conditions and body systems affected. 

The authors of The prevalence of complex multimorbidity in Australia estimate that 47.4% of patients at GP encounters and one-third of the population had multimorbidity, with 27.4% of patients at GP encounters and 17% of the Australian population experiencing complex multimorbidity. The most prevalent combination of conditions was hypertension with hyperlipidaemia and osteoarthritis, and the most prevalent combination of body systems was circulatory, musculoskeletal and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic systems. "To meet the challenge posed by complex multimorbidity, the single disease focus of our healthcare system needs to be re-evaluated."

Harrison, C., Henderson, J., Miller, G., Britt, H. The prevalence of complex multimorbidity in Australia.Aust N Z J Public Health. 2016 Jun;40(3):239-44. doi: 10.1111/1753-6405.12509