PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Hilde D Luijks AU - Maartje JW Loeffen AU - Antoine L Lagro-Janssen AU - Chris van Weel AU - Peter L Lucassen AU - Tjard R Schermer TI - GPs' considerations in multimorbidity management: a qualitative study AID - 10.3399/bjgp12X652373 DP - 2012 Jul 01 TA - British Journal of General Practice PG - e503--e510 VI - 62 IP - 600 4099 - http://bjgp.org/content/62/600/e503.short 4100 - http://bjgp.org/content/62/600/e503.full SO - Br J Gen Pract2012 Jul 01; 62 AB - Background Scientific evidence on how to manage multimorbidity is limited, but GPs have extensive practical experience with multimorbidity management.Aim To explore GPs’ considerations and main objectives in the management of multimorbidity and to explore factors influencing their management of multimorbidity.Design and setting Focus group study of Dutch GPs; with heterogeneity in characteristics such as sex, age and urbanisation.Method The moderator used an interview guide in conducting the interviews. Two researchers performed the analysis as an iterative process, based on verbatim transcripts and by applying the technique of constant comparative analysis. Data collection proceeded until saturation was reached.Results Five focus groups were conducted with 25 participating GPs. The main themes concerning multimorbidity management were individualisation, applying an integrated approach, medical considerations placed in perspective, and sharing decision making and responsibility. A personal patient–doctor relationship was considered a major factor positively influencing the management of multimorbidity. Mental-health problems and interacting conditions were regarded as major barriers in this respect and participants experienced several practical problems. The concept of patient-centredness overarches the participants’ main objectives.Conclusion GPs’ main objective in multimorbidity management is applying a patient-centred approach. This approach is welcomed since it counteracts some potential pitfalls of multimorbidity. Further research should include a similar design in a different setting and should aim at developing best practice in multimorbidity management.