Abstract
Objective. To translate the European General Practice Research Network multimorbidity definition according to Portuguese cultural and linguistic features. Methods. Similar to the process completed in several other European countries, a forward and backward translation of the English multimorbidity definition using the Delphi technique was performed in Portugal. Results. Twenty-three general practitioners (GPs)—14 males and 9 females—agreed to form the Portuguese expert panel for the Delphi process (59% acceptance rate). The Portuguese definition of multimorbidity was achieved after two Delphi rounds with a mean (SD) consensus score for final round of 8.43/9 (0.73). Conclusion. With this paper the definition of multimorbidity is now available in a new language—Portuguese. Its availability in the local language will raise Portuguese GPs' awareness about multimorbidity and allow future national and international research. The operationalization of the definition will allow an easier identification of patients with multimorbidity.
Highlights
Clinicians working in the primary health care context, namely, family physicians and general practitioners (GPs), deal with the broad spectrum of conditions affecting each individual seeking a medical consultation
After a systematic literature review, the European General Practice Research Network published a comprehensive definition which states that “multimorbidity is defined as any combination of chronic disease with at least one other disease or biopsychosocial factor or somatic risk factor
Similar to the process completed in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Spain [7], a forward and backward translation of the English multimorbidity definition [6] using the Delphi technique was performed in Portugal
Summary
Clinicians working in the primary health care context, namely, family physicians and general practitioners (GPs), deal with the broad spectrum of conditions affecting each individual seeking a medical consultation In this setting, most of the time it is not possible to pinpoint an index disease, nor is it useful for the patient’s care [1]. Multimorbidity may modify the health outcomes and lead to an increased disability or a decreased quality of life or frailty” [6] This definition aims to be especially useful in long term care and in family medicine settings [6] and at the same time to be valid for future collaborative research [7].
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