Register      Login
Australian Health Review Australian Health Review Society
Journal of the Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Integrating patient complexity into health policy: a conceptual framework

Peter Maree https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9709-7691 A B E , Roger Hughes https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5811-7960 A , Jan Radford https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5751-0488 C , Jim Stankovich https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9344-7749 A D and Pieter Jan Van Dam https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3341-6793 A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine University of Tasmania, Private Bag 34, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia. Email: roger.hughes@utas.edu.au; pieter.vandam@utas.edu.au

B Department of Health, 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, Tas. 7000, Australia.

C General Practice, Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine University of Tasmania, Private Bag 34, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia. Email: j.radford@utas.edu.au

D Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia. Email: jim.stankovich@monash.edu

E Corresponding author. Email: peter.maree@health.tas.gov.au

Australian Health Review 45(2) 199-206 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH19290
Submitted: 19 December 2019  Accepted: 19 June 2020   Published: 19 November 2020

Journal Compilation © AHHA 2021 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND

Abstract

Objective Clinicians across all health professions increasingly strive to add value to the care they deliver through the application of the central tenets of people-centred care (PCC), namely the ‘right care’, in the ‘right place’, at the ‘right time’ and ‘tailored to the needs of communities’. This ideal is being hampered by a lack of a structured, evidence-based means to formulate policy and value the commissioning of services in an environment of increasing appreciation for the complex health needs of communities. This creates significant challenges for policy makers, commissioners and providers of health services. Communities face a complex intersection of challenges when engaging with healthcare. Increasingly, complexity is gaining prominence as a significant factor in the delivery of PCC. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) components of health policy, this paper proposes a policy framework that enables policy makers, commissioners and providers of health care to integrate a model of complexity into policy, subsequent service planning and development of models of care.

Methods The WHO components of health policy were used as the basis for the framework. Literature was drawn on to develop a policy framework that integrates complexity into health policy.

Results Within the framework, complexity is juxtaposed between the WHO components of ‘vision’, ‘priorities’ and ‘roles’.

Conclusion This framework, supported by the literature, provides a means for policy makers and health planners to conduct analyses of and for policy. Further work is required to better model complexity in a manner that integrates consumer needs and provider capabilities.

What is known about the topic? There is a growing body of evidence regarding patient complexity and its impact on the delivery of health services, but there is little consideration of patient complexity in policy, which is an important consideration for service provision.

What does this paper add? This paper presents an argument for the inclusion of patient complexity in health policy and provides a framework for how that might occur.

What are the implications for practitioners? The inclusion of patient complexity in policy could provide a means for policy makers to consider the factors that contribute to patient complexity in service provision decisions.


References

[1]  Houben-Wilke S, Augustin IM, Vercoulen JH, Ranst D, Vaate E, Wempe JB, Spruit M, Wouters E, Franssen F. COPD stands for complex obstructive pulmonary disease. Eur Respir Rev 2018; 27 180027
COPD stands for complex obstructive pulmonary disease.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29875138PubMed |

[2]  Adams T, Sarnak D, Lewis J, Convissar J, Young SS. What do clinicians who deliver maternity services think patient-centered care is and how is that different for vulnerable women? A qualitative study. J Pregnancy 2018; 2018 5853235
What do clinicians who deliver maternity services think patient-centered care is and how is that different for vulnerable women? A qualitative study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30643647PubMed |

[3]  Ward L, Powell RE, Scharf ML, Chapman A, Kavuru M. Patient-centered specialty practice: defining the role of specialists in value-based health care. Chest 2017; 151 930–5.
Patient-centered specialty practice: defining the role of specialists in value-based health care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28089817PubMed |

[4]  Miles A. Tailoring care to individuals and populations within resource-poor settings: a review and commentary on the World Health Organization Report People-Centred Care in Low and Middle Income Countries. Int J Pers Cent Med 2011; 1 113–18.
Tailoring care to individuals and populations within resource-poor settings: a review and commentary on the World Health Organization Report People-Centred Care in Low and Middle Income Countries.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[5]  Hower KI, Vennedey V, Hillen HA, Kuntz L, Stock S, Pfaff H, Ansmann L. Implementation of patient-centred care: which organisational determinants matter from decision maker’s perspective? Results from a qualitative interview study across various health and social care organisations. BMJ Open 2019; 9 e027591
Implementation of patient-centred care: which organisational determinants matter from decision maker’s perspective? Results from a qualitative interview study across various health and social care organisations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30940764PubMed |

[6]  Nies H. Communities as co-producers in integrated care. Int J Integr Care 2014; 14 1–4.
Communities as co-producers in integrated care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[7]  Sturmberg JP, O’Halloran DM, Martin CM. People at the centre of complex adaptive health systems reform. Med J Aust 2010; 193 474–8.
People at the centre of complex adaptive health systems reform.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20955127PubMed |

[8]  Fajardo-Ortiz G, Fernández-Ortega MÁ, Ortiz-Montalvo A, Olivares-Santos RA. The dimension of the paradigm of complexity in health systems. Cir Cir 2015; 83 81–6.
The dimension of the paradigm of complexity in health systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25982615PubMed |

[9]  Reeve J. Primary care redesign for person-centred care: delivering an international generalist revolution. Aust J Prim Health 2018; 24 330–6.
Primary care redesign for person-centred care: delivering an international generalist revolution.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[10]  Lindblad S, Ernestam S, Van Citters AD, Lind C, Morgan TS, Nelson EC. Creating a culture of health: evolving healthcare systems and patient engagement. QJM Int J Med. 2017; 110 125–9.

[11]  Chong JL, Matchar DB. Benefits of population segmentation analysis for developing health policy to promote patient-centred care. Ann Acad Med Singapore 2017; 46 287–9.
| 28821893PubMed |

[12]  Commonwealth Fund. Designing a high-performing health care system for patients with complex needs: ten recommendations for policymakers. 2017. Available at: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2017/sep/designing-high-performing-health-care-system-patients-complex [verified 18 June 2018].

[13]  Grembowski D, Schaefer J, Johnson KE, Fischer H, Moore SL, Tai-Seale M, Ricciardi R, Fraser J, Miller D, LeRoy L. A conceptual model of the role of complexity in the care of patients with multiple chronic conditions. Med Care 2014; 52 S7–S14.
A conceptual model of the role of complexity in the care of patients with multiple chronic conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24561762PubMed |

[14]  Safford MM, Allison JJ, Kiefe CI. Patient complexity: more than comorbidity. The vector model of complexity. J Gen Intern Med 2007; 22 382–90.
Patient complexity: more than comorbidity. The vector model of complexity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18026806PubMed |

[15]  Shippee ND, Shah ND, May CR, Mair FS, Montori VM. Cumulative complexity: a functional, patient-centered model of patient complexity can improve research and practice. J Clin Epidemiol 2012; 65 1041–51.
Cumulative complexity: a functional, patient-centered model of patient complexity can improve research and practice.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22910536PubMed |

[16]  Giuliana G, Stewart D, Chang K, Eldred J, Chenok K, Kothari P. Complex care management toolkit. San Francisco: California Quality Collaborative; 2012. Available at: http://www.calquality.org/storage/documents/cqc_complexcaremanagement_toolkit_final.pdf [verified 28 August 2018].

[17]  Goodwin N, Sonola L, Thiel V, Kodner DL. Co-ordinated care for people with complex chronic conditions Key lessons and markers for success. London: The Kings Fund; 2013.

[18]  Department of Health, Government of Western Australia. Planning for a complex care needs patient at KEMH. 2009. Available at: https://www.wnhs.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Hospitals/WNHS/For%20health%20professionals/Clinical%20guidelines/OG/WNHS.OG.ComplexCarePlanningfor.pdf [verified 15 October 2020].

[19]  Williams S. Complex care management guidelines. Grand Rapids: Michigan Centre for Clinical Systems Improvement; 2015 p. 28.

[20]  Humowiecki M, Kuruna T, Sax R, Hawthorne M, Hamblin A, Turner S, Mate K, Sevin C, Cullen K. Blueprint for complex care: advancing the care for individuals with complex health and social needs. Camden: National Centre for Complex Health and Social Needs; 2018.

[21]  Paddison CAM, Saunders CL, Abel GA, Payne RA, Campbell JL, Roland M. Why do patients with multimorbidity in England report worse experiences in primary care? Evidence from the General Practice Patient Survey. BMJ Open 2015; 5 e006172
Why do patients with multimorbidity in England report worse experiences in primary care? Evidence from the General Practice Patient Survey.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[22]  Zhou C, Tang S, Wang X, Chen Z, Zhang D, Gao J, Ghose B, Feng D, He Z, Yaya S, Feng Z. Satisfaction about patient-centeredness and healthcare system among patients with chronic multimorbidity. Curr Med Sci 2018; 38 184–90.
Satisfaction about patient-centeredness and healthcare system among patients with chronic multimorbidity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30074169PubMed |

[23]  van der Heide I, Snoeijs S, Quattrini S, Struckmann V, Hujala A, Schellevis F, Rijken M. Patient-centeredness of integrated care programs for people with multimorbidity. Results from the European ICARE4EU project. Health Policy 2018; 122 36–43.
Patient-centeredness of integrated care programs for people with multimorbidity. Results from the European ICARE4EU project.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29129270PubMed |

[24]  Greenhalgh T, Papoutsi C. Studying complexity in health services research: desperately seeking an overdue paradigm shift. BMC Med 2018; 16 1–6.
Studying complexity in health services research: desperately seeking an overdue paradigm shift.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[25]  Dudley N, Lee SJ, Stijacic-Cenzer I, Ritchie CS. Prevalence of multimorbidity among older adults with advanced illness visits to U.S. subspecialty clinics. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56 e4–6.
Prevalence of multimorbidity among older adults with advanced illness visits to U.S. subspecialty clinics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29550359PubMed |

[26]  Schoen C, Osborn R, Squires D, Doty M, Pierson R, Applebaum S. New 2011 survey of patients with complex care needs in eleven countries finds that care is often poorly coordinated. Health Aff 2011; 30 2437–48.
New 2011 survey of patients with complex care needs in eleven countries finds that care is often poorly coordinated.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[27]  Rudin RS, Gidengil CA, Predmore Z, Schneider EC, Sorace J, Hornstein R. Identifying and coordinating care for complex patients. Rand Health Q 2017; 6 2
| 28845354PubMed |

[28]  Wammes JJG, van der Wees PJ, Tanke MAC, Westert GP, Jeurissen PPT. Systematic review of high-cost patients’ characteristics and healthcare utilisation. BMJ Open 2018; 8 e023113
Systematic review of high-cost patients’ characteristics and healthcare utilisation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30196269PubMed |

[29]  Stokes J, Struckmann V, Kristensen SR, Fuchs S, van Ginneken E, Tsiachristas A, Mölken M, Sutton M. Towards incentivising integration: a typology of payments for integrated care. Health Policy 2018; 122 963–9.
Towards incentivising integration: a typology of payments for integrated care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30033204PubMed |

[30]  Donner CF, Carrozzi L, Maio S, Baldacci S, Pistelli F, Viegi G, Purro A, Torchio R, Clini E, Amaducci S, ZuWallack R, Goldstein R, Morgan M, Bourbeau J,, Vagheggini G, Wouters E. Integrating the care of the complex COPD patient. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2017; 87 1
Integrating the care of the complex COPD patient.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[31]  Goodwin N. Thinking differently about integration: people-centred care and the role of local communities. Int J Integr Care 2014; 14 1
Thinking differently about integration: people-centred care and the role of local communities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[32]  World Health Organization (WHO). Roadmap: strengthening people centred health systems in the WHO European Region. Copenhagen: WHO; 2013.

[33]  Greene SM, Tuzzio L, Cherkin D. A framework for making patient-centered care front and center. Perm J 2012; 16 49–53.
A framework for making patient-centered care front and center.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23012599PubMed |

[34]  Porter M. Value-based health care delivery. Ann Surg 2008; 248 144–50.

[35]  Kane PM, Murtagh FEM, Ryan K, Mahon NG, McAdam B, McQuillan R, Ellis-Smith C, Tracey C, Howley C, Raleigh C, O’Gara G, Higginson I, Daveson B. The gap between policy and practice: a systematic review of patient-centred care interventions in chronic heart failure. Heart Fail Rev 2015; 20 673–87.
The gap between policy and practice: a systematic review of patient-centred care interventions in chronic heart failure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26435042PubMed |

[36]  Nicholson K, Makovski TT, Stranges S. The integration of primary care and public health to improve population health: tackling the complex issue of multimorbidity. Int J Public Health 2019; 64 983–4.
The integration of primary care and public health to improve population health: tackling the complex issue of multimorbidity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31270572PubMed |

[37]  Leykum LK, Pugh J, Lawrence V, Parchman M, Noël PH, Cornell J, McDaniel R. Organizational interventions employing principles of complexity science have improved outcomes for patients with Type II diabetes. Implement Sci 2007; 2 28–36.
Organizational interventions employing principles of complexity science have improved outcomes for patients with Type II diabetes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17725834PubMed |

[38]  Islam R, Weir C, Fiol GD. Clinical complexity in medicine: a measurement model of task and patient complexity. Methods Inf Med 2016; 55 14–22.
Clinical complexity in medicine: a measurement model of task and patient complexity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26404626PubMed |

[39]  Bonavita V, De Simone R. Towards a definition of comorbidity in the light of clinical complexity. Neurol Sci 2008; 29 99–102.
Towards a definition of comorbidity in the light of clinical complexity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[40]  Kuipers P, Kendall E, Ehrlich C, McIntyre M, Barber L, Amsters D, Kendall M, Kuipers K, Muenchberger H, Brownie S. Complexity and health care: health practitioner workforce services, roles, skills and training, to respond to patients with complex needs. Brisbane: Queensland Health; 2011. Available at: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/150768/complexcarefull1.pdf [verified 15 October 2020].

[41]  Grant RW, Ashburner J, Hong C, Chang Y, Barry M, Atlas S. Defining patient complexity from the primary care physician’s perspective a cohort study. Ann Intern Med 2011; 155 797–804.
Defining patient complexity from the primary care physician’s perspective a cohort study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22184686PubMed |

[42]  Loeb DF, Binswanger IA, Candrian C, Bayliss EA. Primary care physician insights into a typology of the complex patient in primary care. Ann Fam Med 2015; 13 451–5.
Primary care physician insights into a typology of the complex patient in primary care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26371266PubMed |

[43]  Waisel D. Vulnerable populations in healthcare. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2013; 26 186–92.
Vulnerable populations in healthcare.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23385323PubMed |

[44]  Aday LA. Health status of vulnerable populations. Annu Rev Public Health 1994; 15 487–509.
Health status of vulnerable populations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 8054096PubMed |

[45]  George S, Daniels K, Fioratou E. A qualitative study into the perceived barriers of accessing healthcare among a vulnerable population involved with a community centre in Romania. Int J Equity Health 2018; 17 41
A qualitative study into the perceived barriers of accessing healthcare among a vulnerable population involved with a community centre in Romania.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29615036PubMed |

[46]  Hahn EA, Cella D. Health outcomes assessment in vulnerable populations: measurement challenges and recommendations. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003; 84 S35–42.
Health outcomes assessment in vulnerable populations: measurement challenges and recommendations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12692770PubMed |

[47]  Moin JS, Moineddin R, Upshur REG. Measuring the association between marginalization and multimorbidity in Ontario, Canada: a cross-sectional study. J Comorb 2018; 8 1–9.
Measuring the association between marginalization and multimorbidity in Ontario, Canada: a cross-sectional study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[48]  Mondor L, Cohen D, Khan AI, Wodchis WP. Income inequalities in multimorbidity prevalence in Ontario, Canada: a decomposition analysis of linked survey and health administrative data. Int J Equity Health 2018; 17 90
Income inequalities in multimorbidity prevalence in Ontario, Canada: a decomposition analysis of linked survey and health administrative data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29941034PubMed |

[49]  Dekhtyar S, Vetrano DL, Marengoni A, Wang H-X, Pan K-Y, Fratiglioni L, Calderón-Larrañaga A. Association between speed of multimorbidity accumulation in old age and life experiences: a cohort study. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188 1627–36.
| 31274148PubMed |

[50]  Boehmer KR, Dabrh AMA, Gionfriddo MR, Erwin P, Montori VM. Does the chronic care model meet the emerging needs of people living with multimorbidity? A systematic review and thematic synthesis. PLoS One 2018; 13 e0190852
Does the chronic care model meet the emerging needs of people living with multimorbidity? A systematic review and thematic synthesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29420543PubMed |

[51]  Manning E, Gagnon M. The complex patient: a concept clarification. Nurs Health Sci 2017; 19 13–21.
The complex patient: a concept clarification.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28054430PubMed |

[52]  Nelson MLA, Hanna E, Hall S, Calvert M. What makes stroke rehabilitation patients complex? Clinician perspectives and the role of discharge pressure. J Comorb 2016; 6 35–41.
What makes stroke rehabilitation patients complex? Clinician perspectives and the role of discharge pressure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29090170PubMed |

[53]  Antonelli-Incalzi R, Ancona C, Forastiere F, Belleudi V, Corsonello A, Perucci CA. Socioeconomic status and hospitalization in the very old: a retrospective study. BMC Public Health 2007; 7 227
Socioeconomic status and hospitalization in the very old: a retrospective study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17764555PubMed |

[54]  Edmiston N, Petoumenos K, Smith DJ. Multimorbidity, not HIV markers predicts unplanned admission among people with HIV in regional NSW. Intern Med J 2018; 8 706–713.

[55]  McGrath RJ, Stransky ML, Seavey JW. The impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma hospitalization rates by rural classification. J Community Health 2011; 36 495–503.
The impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma hospitalization rates by rural classification.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21107894PubMed |

[56]  Schifano P, Marinacci C, Cesaroni G, Belleudi V, Caranci N, Russo A, Perucci C. Temporal and geographic heterogeneity of the association between socioeconomic position and hospitalisation in Italy: an income based indicator. Int J Equity Health 2009; 8 33
Temporal and geographic heterogeneity of the association between socioeconomic position and hospitalisation in Italy: an income based indicator.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19761604PubMed |

[57]  Takahashi PY, Ryu E, Hathcock MA, Olson JE, Bielinski SJ, Cerhan JR, Rand-Weaver J, Juhn J. A novel housing-based socioeconomic measure predicts hospitalisation and multiple chronic conditions in a community population. J Epidemiol Community Health 2016; 70 286–91.
A novel housing-based socioeconomic measure predicts hospitalisation and multiple chronic conditions in a community population.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26458399PubMed |

[58]  Thompson AJ, Saran S. Multi-morbidity as a driver of high cost, high resource utilisation and future risk. Int J Integr Care 2016; 16 A243
Multi-morbidity as a driver of high cost, high resource utilisation and future risk.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[59]  Chan CQH, Lee KH, Low LL. A systematic review of health status, health seeking behaviour and healthcare utilisation of low socioeconomic status populations in urban Singapore. Int J Equity Health 2018; 17 39
A systematic review of health status, health seeking behaviour and healthcare utilisation of low socioeconomic status populations in urban Singapore.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29609592PubMed |

[60]  Kangovi S, Barg FK, Carter T, Long JA, Shannon R, Grande D. Understanding why patients of low socioeconomic status prefer hospitals over ambulatory care. Health Aff (Millwood) 2013; 32 1196–203.
Understanding why patients of low socioeconomic status prefer hospitals over ambulatory care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23836734PubMed |

[61]  Ham C, Imison C, Jennings M. Avoiding hospital admissions: lessons from evidence and experience [Seminar highlights]. London. The Kings Fund; 2010. Available from: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk [verified October 2020].

[62]  Lawn S, Zabeen S, Smith D, Wilson E, Miller C, Battersby M, Masman K. Managing chronic conditions care across primary care and hospital systems: lessons from an Australian hospital avoidance risk program using the Flinders chronic condition management program. Aust Health Rev 2018; 42 542–9.
Managing chronic conditions care across primary care and hospital systems: lessons from an Australian hospital avoidance risk program using the Flinders chronic condition management program.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28835321PubMed |

[63]  Voss S, Black S, Brandling J, Buswell M, Cheston R, Cullum S, Kirby K, Purdy S, Solway C, Taylor H, Benger J. Home or hospital for people with dementia and one or more other multimorbidities: what is the potential to reduce avoidable emergency admissions? The HOMEWARD Project Protocol. BMJ Open 2017; 7 e016651
Home or hospital for people with dementia and one or more other multimorbidities: what is the potential to reduce avoidable emergency admissions? The HOMEWARD Project Protocol.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28373259PubMed |

[64]  Tangcharoensathien V, Mills A, Das MB, Patcharanarumol W, Buntan M, Johns J. Addressing the health of vulnerable populations: social inclusion and universal health coverage. J Glob Health 2018; 8 020304
Addressing the health of vulnerable populations: social inclusion and universal health coverage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30410733PubMed |

[65]  Buse K, Mays N, Walt G. Making health policy. 2nd edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press; 2012.

[66]  Navarro V. What is a national health policy? Int J Health Serv 2007; 37 1–14.
What is a national health policy?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17436983PubMed |

[67]  Hamilton AB, Wiltsey-Stirman S, Finley EP, Klap R, Mittman BS, Yano EM, Oishi S. Usual care among providers treating women veterans: managing complexity and multimorbidity in the era of evidence-based practice. Adm Policy Ment Health 2020; 47 244–53.
Usual care among providers treating women veterans: managing complexity and multimorbidity in the era of evidence-based practice.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31468284PubMed |

[68]  Plsek PE, Greenhalgh T. The challenge of complexity in health care. BMJ 2001; 323 625–8.
The challenge of complexity in health care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 11557716PubMed |

[69]  Pourbohloul B, Kieny M-P. Complex systems analysis: towards holistic approaches to health systems planning and policy. Bull World Health Organ 2011; 89 242
Complex systems analysis: towards holistic approaches to health systems planning and policy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21479083PubMed |

[70]  Durso SC. Using clinical guidelines designed for older adults with diabetes mellitus and complex health status. JAMA 2006; 295 1935–40.
Using clinical guidelines designed for older adults with diabetes mellitus and complex health status.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16639053PubMed |

[71]  Millar E, Dowell A, Lawrenson R, Mangin D, Sarfati D. Clinical guidelines: what happens when people have multiple conditions? N Z Med J 2018; 131: 73–81.

[72]  Tinetti ME, Naik AD, Dodson JA. Moving from disease-centered to patient goals-directed care for patients with multiple chronic conditions: patient value-based care. JAMA Cardiol. 2016; 1 9–10.
Moving from disease-centered to patient goals-directed care for patients with multiple chronic conditions: patient value-based care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27437646PubMed |

[73]  Porter T, Ong BN, Sanders T. Living with multimorbidity? The lived experience of multiple chronic conditions in later life. Health (N Y) 2020; 24 701–18.
Living with multimorbidity? The lived experience of multiple chronic conditions in later life.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[74]  Mount JK, Massanari RM, Teachman J. Patient care complexity as perceived by primary care physicians. Fam Syst Health 2015; 33 137–45.
Patient care complexity as perceived by primary care physicians.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25893538PubMed |

[75]  Grudniewicz A, Tenbensel T, Evans JM, Steele Gray C, Baker GR, Wodchis WP. ‘Complexity-compatible’ policy for integrated care? Lessons from the implementation of Ontario’s Health Links. Soc Sci Med 2018; 198 95–102.
‘Complexity-compatible’ policy for integrated care? Lessons from the implementation of Ontario’s Health Links.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29310110PubMed |

[76]  Stacey RD. Strategic management & organisational dynamics. 2nd edn. London: Pitman; 1996.

[77]  Kernick D. Complexity and healthcare organisation. In: Sweeney K, Griffiths F, eds. Complexity and healthcare: an introduction. Abingdon: Radcliffe Medical Press; 2002.

[78]  Allshouse C, Comeau M, Rodgers R, Wells N. Families of children with medical complexity: a view from the front lines. Pediatrics 2018; 141 S195–201.
Families of children with medical complexity: a view from the front lines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29496970PubMed |

[79]  Chandraratne N, Harrison C, Siriwardena A, Pathirathna K. A comparison of policies and guidelines related to multimorbidity in the UK, Australia and Sri Lanka. Aust J Gen Pract 2018; 47 15–19.
A comparison of policies and guidelines related to multimorbidity in the UK, Australia and Sri Lanka.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[80]  Kitson A, Marshall A, Bassett K, Zeitz K. What are the core elements of patient-centred care? A narrative review and synthesis of the literature from health policy, medicine and nursing. J Adv Nurs 2013; 69 4–15.
What are the core elements of patient-centred care? A narrative review and synthesis of the literature from health policy, medicine and nursing.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22709336PubMed |

[81]  Mondor L, Maxwell CJ, Hogan DB, Bronskill SE, Gruneir A, Lane NE, Wodchis W. Multimorbidity and healthcare utilization among home care clients with dementia in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective analysis of a population-based cohort. PLoS Med 2017; 14 e1002249
Multimorbidity and healthcare utilization among home care clients with dementia in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective analysis of a population-based cohort.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28267802PubMed |

[82]  Stajduhar KI, Mollison A, Giesbrecht M, McNeil R, Pauly B, Reimer-Kirkham S, Dosani N, Wallace B, Showler G, Meagher C, Kvakic K, Gleave D, Teal T, Rose C, Showler C, Rounds K. ‘Just too busy living in the moment and surviving’: barriers to accessing health care for structurally vulnerable populations at end-of-life. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18 11
‘Just too busy living in the moment and surviving’: barriers to accessing health care for structurally vulnerable populations at end-of-life.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30684959PubMed |

[83]  Bowen M, Marwick S, Marshall T, Saunders K, Burwood S, Yahyouche A, Stewart D, Paudyal V. Multimorbidity and emergency department visits by a homeless population: a database study in specialist general practice. Br J Gen Pract 2019; 69 e515–e525.
Multimorbidity and emergency department visits by a homeless population: a database study in specialist general practice.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31262848PubMed |

[84]  Frølich A, Ghith N, Schiøtz M, Jacobsen R, Stockmarr A. Multimorbidity, healthcare utilization and socioeconomic status: a register-based study in Denmark. PLoS One 2019; 14 e0214183
Multimorbidity, healthcare utilization and socioeconomic status: a register-based study in Denmark.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31369580PubMed |

[85]  World Health Organization (WHO). Health policy. 2018. Available at: http://www.who.int/topics/health_policy/en/ [verified 20 November 2018].

[86]  Walt G, Gilson L. Reforming the health sector in developing countries: the central role of policy analysis. Health Policy Plan 1994; 9 353–70.
Reforming the health sector in developing countries: the central role of policy analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 10139469PubMed |

[87]  Ogbuabor D, Onwujekwe O, Ezumah N. Muddling through policymaking: a complex adaptive systems perspective on policy changes in a free maternal and child healthcare program in Enugu State, Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract 2019; 22 682–9.
| 31089024PubMed |

[88]  Clifford B, Wilson A, Harris P. Homelessness, health and the policy process: a literature review. Health Policy 2019; 123 1125–32.
Homelessness, health and the policy process: a literature review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31522758PubMed |

[89]  Calderón‐Larrañaga A, Fratiglioni L. Multimorbidity research at the crossroads: developing the scientific evidence for clinical practice and health policy. J Intern Med 2019; 285 251–4.
Multimorbidity research at the crossroads: developing the scientific evidence for clinical practice and health policy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30625511PubMed |

[90]  Wenzel L. What is commissioning and how is it changing? London: The King’s Fund. 2017. Available at: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/what-commissioning-and-how-it-changing [verified 20 November 2018].

[91]  Salanitro AH, Safford MM, Houston TK, Williams JH, Ovalle F, Payne-Foster P, Allison J, Estrada C. Patient complexity and diabetes quality of care in rural settings. J Natl Med Assoc 2011; 103 234–40.
Patient complexity and diabetes quality of care in rural settings.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21671526PubMed |

[92]  Ricci-Cabello I, Violan C, Foguet-Boreu Q, Mounce L, Valderas J. Impact of multi-morbidity on quality of healthcare and its implications for health policy, research and clinical practice. A scoping review. Eur J Gen Pract 2015; 21 192–202.
Impact of multi-morbidity on quality of healthcare and its implications for health policy, research and clinical practice. A scoping review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26232238PubMed |

[93]  Bircher J, Hahn EG. Understanding the nature of health: new perspectives for medicine and public health. Improved wellbeing at lower costs. F1000Res 2016; 5 167
Understanding the nature of health: new perspectives for medicine and public health. Improved wellbeing at lower costs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27134730PubMed |

[94]  Zullig LL, Whitson HE, Hastings SN, Beadles C, Kravchenko J, Akushevich I, Maciejewski M. A systematic review of conceptual frameworks of medical complexity and new model development. J Gen Intern Med 2016; 31 329–37.
A systematic review of conceptual frameworks of medical complexity and new model development.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26423992PubMed |