Sam Meredith, an ARC NWC-funded PhD student based at the University of Liverpool, has undertaken a critical study titled “The Social Determinants of Multimorbidity within Emergency Hospital Admissions: A Systematic Review.” This research explores the intricate relationship between social determinants and emergency hospitalisations among individuals with multiple chronic conditions, aiming to guide more effective healthcare strategies.

Sam’s work addresses the national priority set by the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2018, which called for comprehensive research into multimorbidity across various care sectors, including emergency care. “Our study fills existing gaps by examining the most impactful social determinants in managing multimorbid patients within emergency hospital settings,” Sam explains.

“Understanding the broader context of patients’ lives is essential,” says Sam. “This research underscores the significance of considering not only medical diagnoses but also lifestyle behaviours, occupational environments, and social settings. By acknowledging the influence of factors such as socioeconomic deprivation, urban living, smoking habits, dietary patterns, physical activity, gender, and age, we can devise interventions that more effectively cater to the needs of multimorbid patients.”

Sam’s research sheds light on various factors influencing emergency hospital admissions for patients with multiple chronic conditions. He shared some compelling insights from his systematic review.

“Our findings highlight a significant issue with deprivation,” Sam explained. “Individuals from poorer backgrounds face a higher risk of emergency hospital admissions for multimorbidity. This underscores the need for targeted interventions in less affluent areas.”

Gender disparities also play a crucial role. Sam noted, “Men with multiple chronic conditions are more likely to frequent emergency departments compared to women. Addressing these gender disparities is essential for effective healthcare strategies.”

Age is another critical factor. “Older individuals with multimorbidity are more prone to emergency admissions than younger ones,” Sam said. “Interestingly, younger people with psychological health issues are at a higher risk of unplanned hospital visits. This indicates the complex role age plays in emergency admissions.”

Lifestyle choices significantly impact emergency hospital admissions as well. “Our research reveals that smoking and unhealthy lifestyles greatly increase the risk of emergency admissions for multimorbid patients. On the flip side, a healthy diet and physical activity can lower this risk,” Sam shared.

Finally, Sam highlighted the differences between urban and rural living. “People living in urban areas are more likely to experience emergency hospital admissions for multimorbidity compared to those in rural settings. This finding calls for healthcare interventions focused on urban populations,” he suggested.

These insights from Sam Meredith’s research underscore the multifaceted nature of emergency hospital admissions for multimorbid patients and the importance of tailored interventions to address these challenges.

ARC NWC public adviser Hilary Garrett, played a significant role in dissemination of the project, “Hilary helped craft a lay summary for the study, making our findings more accessible to the public,” notes Sam.

“The study also highlights areas for future research, including the roles of ethnicity, income, education level, living arrangements, access to green spaces, digital health inequalities, and substance misuse. “There is still much to learn about these factors and their interactions. Further research is vital to provide comprehensive care for multimorbid patients,” Sam emphasises.

Sam’s research aims to benefit individuals with multimorbidity, especially those in deprived areas who are at higher risk of emergency hospital admissions. The findings will be shared with health and social care professionals, policymakers, and the public through various channels, including academic journals, conferences, and blog posts.

Sam who recently spoke at ARC NWC ARCFEST event on Emergency Admissions said “By identifying crucial social determinants and areas for further study, our research can inform more effective interventions and support systems for vulnerable populations,” concludes Sam.

This study not only highlights the social determinants of multimorbidity within emergency hospital admissions but also underscores the need for a holistic approach in healthcare. With continued research and targeted interventions, Sam’s work promises to enhance health outcomes and reduce the strain on emergency healthcare services.

For more information and updates on the latest findings, or to learn more about the study please contact Sam on S.Meredith@liverpool.ac.uk