How common are Chinese patients with multimorbidity involved in decision making and having a treatment plan? a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Creating a treatment plan (TP) through shared decision making (SDM) with healthcare professionals, is of paramount importance for patients with multimorbidity. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of SDM and TP in patients with multimorbidity, and study the association between SDM/TP with demographics and patients’ confidence to manage their diseases.Method This cross-sectional study used an internationally recognized survey. 1,032 patients aged 60 or above with multimorbidity, were recruited from a specialist outpatient clinic, general outpatient clinic (GOPC) and a geriatric day hospital. The proportion of patients reported to have SDM and TP were estimated. Associations between the presence of SDM/TP and patients’ demographic data, and the confidence level to manage their illnesses, were then studied using logistic regression.Results The prevalence of SDM and TP were 35.8% and 82.1%, respectively. The presence of TP was associated with receiving healthcare from the same doctor or in the same facilities, and being recruited from GOPC. Presence of SDM (OR 1.381, p=0.054) and TP(OR 2.195, p<0.0001) were associated with enhanced confidence in dealing with diseases.Conclusion Most people with multimorbidity had TP in Hong Kong, but fewer patients had SDM.Practice implications: Ways to promote SDM in HK are needed.