Investigating the impact of multimorbidity on cancer care pathwaysÂ
Supervisors:
Dr Caroline Jackson, Usher Institute (University of Edinburgh)
Prof Nazir Lone, Usher Institute (University of Edinburgh)
Dr David Blane, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Dr Debbie Cavers, Usher Institute (University of Edinburgh)
Summary:
The growing burden of multimorbidity is creating significant pressure on the delivery of optimal clinical care, including cancer care. Complex multimorbidity, including mental-physical multimorbidity, particularly adversely affects delivery of care for physical conditions (such as cardiometabolic disease) and increases the risk of poor outcomes. Comparatively less is known about how multimorbidity, and mental-physical multimorbidity in particular, impacts cancer care, but there is a growing body of evidence which indicates that multimorbidity may impact on all stages of cancer care, from prevention and early detection through to end-of-life care. Research into multimorbidity and cancer care is however, in its infancy and further research is warranted, particularly given the growing population of people diagnosed with cancer whilst already living with other long-term health conditions.
This multi-methods project seeks to address this gap by investigating the impact of multimorbidity, particularly mental-physical multimorbidity, on receipt of cancer care, from screening (where available) through to post-treatment follow-up. The quantitative component will involve interrogation of complex linked electronic health records to investigate the impact of multimorbidity on cancer care pathways, whilst qualitative methods will be applied to explore experiences of mental-physical multimorbidity and how it is perceived to influence the patient journey with respect to cancer.