The Conceptualization and Measurement of Comorbidity: A Review of the Interprofessional Discourse

Salimah H. Meghani; Harleah G. Buck; Victoria Vaughan Dickson; Marilyn J. Hammer; Eneida Rejane Rabelo-Silva; Robyn Clark; Mary D. Naylor

doi:10.1155/2013/192782

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The Conceptualization and Measurement of Comorbidity: A Review of the Interprofessional Discourse

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The Conceptualization and Measurement of Comorbidity: A Review of the Interprofessional Discourse

Salimah H. Meghani, Harleah G. Buck, Victoria Vaughan Dickson, Marilyn J. Hammer, Eneida Rejane Rabelo-Silva, Robyn Clark and Mary D. Naylor

Nursing Research and Practice, Vol.2013, 192782

01/01/2013

DOI: 10.1155/2013/192782

PMCID: PMC3800641

PMID: 24187618

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Abstract

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.

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Title: Subtitle: The Conceptualization and Measurement of Comorbidity: A Review of the Interprofessional Discourse
Creators: Salimah H. Meghani - University of Pennsylvania
Harleah G. Buck - Pennsylvania State University
Victoria Vaughan Dickson - New York University
Marilyn J. Hammer - New York University
Eneida Rejane Rabelo-Silva - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Robyn Clark - Flinders University
Mary D. Naylor - University of Pennsylvania
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Nursing Research and Practice, Vol.2013, 192782
DOI: 10.1155/2013/192782
PMID: 24187618
PMCID: PMC3800641
NLM abbreviation: Nurs Res Pract
ISSN: 2090-1429
eISSN: 2090-1437
Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Grant note: DOI: 10.13039/100006920, name: University of Pennsylvania
Language: English
Date published: 01/01/2013
Academic Unit: Nursing
Record Identifier: 9984370731202771

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