The experiences of Family Medicine teachers and Family Medicine residents in multimorbidity care and education

Aim: This thesis explored the experiences of family medicine preceptors and family medicine residents regarding multimorbidity care and education. Methods: Two qualitative descriptive studies were conducted using semi structured interviews with family medicine preceptors and focus groups with family medicine residents. Interviews and focus groups were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was iterative and interpretive in nature and done both independently and as a team. Findings: Multimorbidity care is predominantly provided by family physicians yet there is little focus on multimorbidity education in the medical education curriculum. Multimorbidity education is informal and experiential in nature. There are both facilitators and challenges to multimorbidity care and it is important that family medicine residents receive education in this area. Suggestions to aid multimorbidity care and multimorbidity education are described. Conclusions: Multimorbidity care is challenging for family physicians and residents and further education and research in this area are both worthwhile and required