Definition of patient complexity in adults: A narrative review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Better identification of complex patients could help to improve their care. However, the definition of patient complexity itself is far from obvious. We conducted a narrative review to identify, describe, and synthesize the definitions of patient complexity used in the last 25 years.

Methods

We searched PubMed for articles published in English between January 1995 and September 2020, defining patient complexity. We extended the search to the references of the included articles. We assessed the domains presented in the definitions, and classified the definitions as based on (1) medical aspects (e.g., number of conditions) or (2) medical and/or non-medical aspects (e.g., socio-economic status). We assessed whether the definition was based on a tool (e.g., index) or

SUBMITTER: Nicolaus S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9106317 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature