General practice and patients’ views of the social networks of patients with multimorbidity

Abstract INTRODUCTION: For patients with multimorbidity to live well, they need the support of not only health professionals but family, friends and organisations. These social networks provide support, potentially enabling the formation of a Community of Clinical Practice approach to multimorbidity care. AIM: This study aimed to explore general practice knowledge of the social networks of patients with multimorbidity. METHODS: Social network maps were completed by both patients and general practice. The social network maps of 22 patients with multimorbidity were compared with corresponding social network maps completed by general practice staff. RESULTS: In 60% (13/22) of the patients, general practice staff held a high or moderate knowledge of individual patients’ social networks. Information on social networks was recalled from staff memory and not systematically recorded in patients’ electronic health records. DISCUSSION: Social network information is not routinely collected, recorded or used by general practice to understand the support available to patients with multimorbidity. General practice could take an active role in coordinating social network supporters for certain patient groups with complex multimorbidity. For these groups, there is value in systematically recording and regularly updating their social network information for general practice to use as part of a coordinated Community of Clinical Practice.