Shared Medical Appointments for Multimorbidity: Harnessing the Relational

BACKGROUND: Shared medical appointments (SMAs) involve a clinician seeing more than one patient at a time and are often thought of as advantageous in terms of saving human and financial resources and may be especially helpful in multimorbidity management in primary care. SMAs are typically rated highly by both patients and the clinicians delivering them. AIM: The aim of the study was to explore staff and patients' views about SMAs, in particular the dynamics and relational processes underpinning their experiences of the SMAs. DESIGN AND SETTING: The study utilised qualitative inquiry within a general practice setting. METHOD: Focus groups were carried out with staff and patients who had been involved with an SMA pilot in general practice. RESULTS: Results stemming from thematic analysis suggest that the holistic care and space for relational processes provided by SMAs underpin the satisfaction of patients, GPs, and the wider primary care team. CONCLUSION: SMAs offer an opportunity for BOTH patients and GPs to have an enhanced experience of managing chronic multi-morbid health conditions.