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Methodische Herausforderungen bei der Auswahl von Erkrankungen für einen standardisierten Multimorbiditätsindex

Methodological challenges concerning the selection of diseases for a standardized multimorbidity index

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Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz Aims and scope

Zusammenfassung

Multimorbidität wird als das gleichzeitige Vorliegen zweier oder mehrerer chronischer Erkrankungen definiert. Allerdings ist dieser komplexe Gesundheitszustand, von dem insbesondere ältere Personen betroffen sind, bislang unzureichend erforscht. Grund dafür ist einerseits der mangelnde Einschluss von älteren, multimorbiden Menschen in wissenschaftliche Studien. Auf der anderen Seite gibt es aus methodischer Sicht keine Einigung darüber, wie viele und welche Erkrankungen bei der Erfassung von Multimorbidität berücksichtigt werden sollen. Der vorliegende Beitrag bietet eine Übersicht über den aktuellen Stand der Multimorbiditätsforschung und beschreibt im Detail die methodischen Herausforderungen bei der Entwicklung eines standardisierten Index. Abschließend werden Empfehlungen für Kriterien zur Auswahl multimorbiditätsrelevanter Erkrankungen gegeben.

Abstract

Multimorbidity is defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases. However, this complex health status, which primarily affects elderly, is still insufficiently understood. One reason is the underrepresentation of older, multimorbid people in studies. Another reason is that there is no agreement on the number and type of diseases, which have to be considered in the assessment of multimorbidity. Therefore, this article provides an overview on the status quo of research on multimorbidity indices and describes in detail, what kind of methodological challenges have to be faced regarding the development of a standardized index. Finally, recommendations are made for criteria, which can be used for the selection of diseases relevant for multimorbidity.

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Danksagung

Die methodischen Herausforderungen bei der Erfassung von Multimorbidität wurden im Rahmen des vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung geförderten Priscus-Verbundprojektes (01ET0723) untersucht.

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  1. Institut für Epidemiologie und Sozialmedizin, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Domagkstr. 3, 48148, Münster, Deutschland

    C. Diederichs MPH & K. Berger

  2. Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Global Epidemiology und Institut für Epidemiologie, Sozialmedizin und Gesundheitssystemforschung, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland

    D.B. Bartels

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  1. C. Diederichs MPH
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  3. K. Berger
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Correspondence to C. Diederichs MPH.

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Diederichs, C., Bartels, D. & Berger, K. Methodische Herausforderungen bei der Auswahl von Erkrankungen für einen standardisierten Multimorbiditätsindex. Bundesgesundheitsbl. 54, 972–978 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-011-1323-0

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