Abstract
Background Multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) refers to people living with two or more long-term health conditions, which affects around 19 million people in England. Climate change is forecast to increase extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts and flooding. The MLTC population have been identified as a group at high-risk from extreme weather who access primary care services frequently. With extreme weather increasing, more evidence is needed to better understand the impact on primary care services, the potential additional costs and resources needed to address these challenges.
Aim To understand the impacts of weather extremes on primary care services in England among people with MLTC.
Method We are using a purposive sampling method to recruit up to 35 voluntary participants. Focus groups or semi-structured interviews will be conducted with patients, caregivers and care professionals to elicit views on how climate change and associated weather extremes affects the health of those with MLTC, the possible impact on caregivers who look after those with MLTC and primary care services.
Results Data collection is ongoing and will be subjected to reflexive thematic analysis. Our qualitative findings will be presented at the conference including key themes on impacts to patients with MLTC and primary care services.
Conclusion This study fills an important knowledge gap and identifies opportunities for intervening and planning primary care services in the future to support patients with MLTC.
