[A way of helping "Mr. Minotaur" and "Ms. Ariadne" to exit from the multiple morbidity labyrinth: the "master problems"]

Semergen. 2016 Jan-Feb;42(1):38-48. doi: 10.1016/j.semerg.2015.02.004. Epub 2015 Mar 26.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Multiple morbidity seems to be "infinite" and so is not easy to make useful decisions. A new concept is introduced: the "master problems", as a qualitative method to facilitate the exit from this maze of multiple morbidity. Metaphors from the art world have been used to teach this concept. These "master problems" generally remain hidden and can only "unravel" between the interstices of multiple morbidity, when the details of the system that defines the problem are explained. A problem with "energy" or a "master problem" is complex, multiple and dramatic or theatrical--everything in the clinical history history make us look into that particular question. It is what gives us a blow to the stomach, which causes our hearts to beat faster, that moves us on many levels, which has a high "density of emotions", human elements, social symbols, and opens solutions in a patient.

Keywords: Educación médica; Family Practice; Investigación cualitativa; Medical education; Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria; Metaphor; Metáfora; Multimorbilidad; Multiple morbidity; Patient care planning; Planificación de atención al paciente; Qualitative research.

MeSH terms

  • Decision Making*
  • Education, Medical / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Morbidity
  • Patient Care / methods*