Investigating the content and processes of patient-derived quality of care indicators for those affected by multiple long-term conditions (MLTC): A scoping review protocol
Author(s)
Tavares, Sara
Reisberg, Arad
Belsey, David
Henley, Ania
Downey, Laura
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background
People living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) are reported to have poorer quality of life, worse health outcomes, and higher health-related expenses compared
to those with singular chronic health conditions. Living with MLTC is associated with a higher risk of care that is duplicate or unnecessary. Understanding and monitoring
the quality of care (QoC) for those with MLTC is imperative to ensure that individuals complex care needs are met, maximising health and wellbeing and minimising harm
and social/economic burden. There is paucity on what QoC means in the context of MLTC, which is likely different than a mere amalgamation of quality indicators of each contributory condition. There is even less understanding on how QoC can be measured in a way that meets the specific care priorities of individuals with MLTC.
The aim of this review is to systematically map and analyse evidence on what QoC means for those affected by MLTC and the content and processes of any existing QoC indicators in MLTC, developed with patient or caregivers.
Methods
We will systematically search for evidence following a Levac et al methodological scoping review process. All eligible studies published in English from 2000 onwards
in the following databases will be included: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Global Health and Health Management Information Consortium. Given
expected study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis is anticipated. Our Community Partner Advisory Group will assist in the identification and analysis of relevant
evidence.
People living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) are reported to have poorer quality of life, worse health outcomes, and higher health-related expenses compared
to those with singular chronic health conditions. Living with MLTC is associated with a higher risk of care that is duplicate or unnecessary. Understanding and monitoring
the quality of care (QoC) for those with MLTC is imperative to ensure that individuals complex care needs are met, maximising health and wellbeing and minimising harm
and social/economic burden. There is paucity on what QoC means in the context of MLTC, which is likely different than a mere amalgamation of quality indicators of each contributory condition. There is even less understanding on how QoC can be measured in a way that meets the specific care priorities of individuals with MLTC.
The aim of this review is to systematically map and analyse evidence on what QoC means for those affected by MLTC and the content and processes of any existing QoC indicators in MLTC, developed with patient or caregivers.
Methods
We will systematically search for evidence following a Levac et al methodological scoping review process. All eligible studies published in English from 2000 onwards
in the following databases will be included: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Global Health and Health Management Information Consortium. Given
expected study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis is anticipated. Our Community Partner Advisory Group will assist in the identification and analysis of relevant
evidence.
Editor(s)
Lainidi, Olga
Date Issued
2025-08-01
Date Acceptance
2025-06-23
Citation
PLoS ONE, 2025, 20 (8)
ISSN
1932-6203
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Journal / Book Title
PLoS ONE
Volume
20
Issue
8
Copyright Statement
© 2025 Tavares et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40748893
PII: PONE-D-25-12073
Subjects
Multidisciplinary Sciences
MULTIMORBIDITY
Science & Technology
Science & Technology - Other Topics
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Article Number
ARTN e0328016
Date Publish Online
2025-08-01