📄 Abstract
Introduction: Multimorbidity represents a growing problem among older adults and poses a challenge to health systems due to the coexistence of multiple chronic diseases, therapeutic complexity, and the need for continuous and integrated care. In Chile, population aging and the high burden of chronic diseases make its management within Primary Health Care particularly relevant. Objective: To describe the main characteristics of multimorbidity among older adults in Chile, the main challenges it poses for Primary Health Care, and strategies aimed at providing comprehensive and person-centered care. Methods: A narrative review of the literature published mainly between 2015 and 2026 was conducted. PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Google Scholar were searched, complemented by a review of official documents from the Chilean Ministry of Health. Studies conducted in the Chilean population addressing multimorbidity, chronic diseases, polypharmacy, continuity of care, and integrated care models were prioritized. Results: The reviewed evidence indicates a high coexistence of chronic diseases in the Chilean population, with particular relevance among older adults, and an associated increase in the complexity of healthcare needs. The main challenges for Primary Health Care include fragmentation of care, polypharmacy, the need for coordination between different levels of care, and the incorporation of functional and quality-of-life outcomes. Person-centered care models, risk stratification, multidisciplinary teamwork, medication review, and continuity of care represent relevant strategies for improving the management of this population. Conclusions: Multimorbidity requires moving beyond a healthcare model focused exclusively on individual diseases toward comprehensive, coordinated, and person-centered care. Primary Health Care represents a fundamental setting for implementing these strategies and strengthening continuity of care within the Chilean healthcare system.
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📚 How to Cite:
Ana Belén Valero Martillo, Nelly Yolanda Quiroga Ortiz, Bryam Esteban Coello García , MULTIMORBIDITY IN CHILEAN OLDER ADULTS: CHALLENGES FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE , Volume 12 , Issue 9, September 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , Pages: 628 - 631 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra31634