The characteristics of general practitioners and geriatricians who emphasise integrated care for older patients with multimorbidity

Purpose Older patients with multimorbidity often experience fragmented care between multiple healthcare providers, underscoring the need for integrated care. We examined characteristics of general practitioners and geriatricians who prioritise integrated care for older patients with multimorbidity in Japan. Design/methodology/approach In June 2022, an anonymous mail survey was sent to 3,300 certified family medicine specialists, primary care-certified physicians and geriatric specialists to assess the importance of integrated care and challenges in managing multimorbid patients. Physicians scoring above the median on integrated care items were classified as “high priority for integrated care”. Associations were examined using modified Poisson regression of physicians’ four-point ratings of difficulties in adhering to practice guidelines, considering treatment burden, patient healthcare utilisation and challenges in managing coexisting conditions. Findings Data from 738 respondents (22.4%) were analysed. Factors linked with a higher priority for integrated care included years of experience (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.004), providing outpatient care (PR: 0.836), providing home medical care (PR: 1.108), population >100,000 (PR: 1.143), challenges with guidelines (PR: 1.109), focus on treatment burden (PR: 1.150) and patient attendance at multiple institutions (PR: 1.328). Originality/value The findings suggest essential considerations for medical education and policy to enhance integrated care for this population.