Social needs of individuals with multimorbidity: A meta-synthesis

Abstract

Social needs refer to the needs associated with the downstream influence of sociocultural and economic determinants affecting the availability of basic amenities, services, and health and social care programs and policies. Social needs are instrumental in shaping the lives and health behaviours of individuals with multimorbidity. Previous reviews explored the care needs, treatment, and support in individuals with multimorbidity. However, the social needs of this population are poorly understood. This review aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding social needs of individuals living with multimorbidity. A meta-synthesis was conducted. Literature was searched within eight databases including gray literature databases. In total, 31 studies published from January 2010 to May 2023 were included in the synthesis. Thematic synthesis approach was used to develop analytical themes and the themes were then mapped to Bradshaw's (1972) taxonomy of social needs. The felt needs included: Requiring strong social network to combat disease-associated challenges and combat social isolation & Need for readily available health and social care assistance. The expressed and comparative needs included: Need for improved health insurance to compensate for disease related expenses and need for social action to address unfair societal behaviors. Individuals with multimorbidity sought improved social connectedness and access to readily available health and social care resources. Social stigma associated with disease, race, disability, and physical appearance affects the meeting of individuals' general and health care related social needs.

Keywords

• Social needs
• Multimorbidity
• Co-morbidity
• Health
• Social care
• Meta-synthesis