The Conceptualization and Measurement of Comorbidity : A Review of the Interprofessional Discourse
Joint Authors
Buck, Harleah G.
Dickson, Victoria Vaughan
Naylor, Mary D.
Hammer, Marilyn J.
Rabelo-Silva, Eneida Rejane
Meghani, Salimah H.
Clark, Robyn A.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2013, Issue 2013 (31 Dec. 2013), pp.1-10, 10 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2013-09-25
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
10
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Chronic medical conditions often occur in combination.
Understanding underlying mechanisms causing diseases and their interactions may make it possible to address multiple complex conditions with single or consolidated treatment approaches and improve patients’ health outcomes while reducing costs.
Objectives.
We present a synthesis of the current interprofessional discourse on the issues surrounding comorbidities.
Methods.
A targeted review of the literature was conducted using published editorials, commentaries, and review articles.
Results.
Errors in conceptualization and measurement plague our current understanding of comorbidities.
Two potential paths to generating knowledge involve the use of etiological or epidemiological approach.
An etiological approach investigates the risk factors and underlying mechanisms potentially leading to consolidation of diagnosis and treatments.
Because of the rudimentary stage of knowledge development in this area, this approach will require time and significant research investments.
In contrast, the epidemiological approach relies on statistical identification of disease entities that cooccur beyond random chance; this approach carries an accompanying risk of diagnostic and treatment proliferation.
Discussion.
The concept of comorbidity, its nature, and measurement is in need of meaningful debate by the scientific and clinical communities.
Recommendations in the domains of conceptualization, research, and measurement are discussed.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Meghani, Salimah H.& Buck, Harleah G.& Dickson, Victoria Vaughan& Hammer, Marilyn J.& Rabelo-Silva, Eneida Rejane& Clark, Robyn A.…[et al.]. 2013. The Conceptualization and Measurement of Comorbidity : A Review of the Interprofessional Discourse. Nursing Research and Practice،Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-453352
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Meghani, Salimah H.…[et al.]. The Conceptualization and Measurement of Comorbidity : A Review of the Interprofessional Discourse. Nursing Research and Practice No. 2013 (2013), pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-453352
American Medical Association (AMA)
Meghani, Salimah H.& Buck, Harleah G.& Dickson, Victoria Vaughan& Hammer, Marilyn J.& Rabelo-Silva, Eneida Rejane& Clark, Robyn A.…[et al.]. The Conceptualization and Measurement of Comorbidity : A Review of the Interprofessional Discourse. Nursing Research and Practice. 2013. Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-453352
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-453352