Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41886419›Full record

ArticlePloS one2026

Engagement of primary care physicians in medication decision-making for patients with multimorbidity in China: A cross-sectional study.

Liyan Han, Leyi Jiang, Mi Yao, Yu Xia, Ming Yan, Junhai Zhen, Lingyan Wu, Yi Guo, Yuling Tong, Zhijie Xu

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Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Liyan HanDepartment of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Leyi JiangDepartment of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Mi YaoDepartment of General Practice, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
Yu XiaDepartment of General Practice, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
Ming YanDepartment of Emergency Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Junhai ZhenDepartment of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Lingyan WuDepartment of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Yi GuoDepartment of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Yuling TongDepartment of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Zhijie XuDepartment of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4824-6176

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundManaging medications for patients with multimorbidity is complex and often leads to medication-related problems. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in optimizing medication use but face considerable challenges and research on their practices remains limited. This study aimed to examine PCPs' medication decision-making practices for patients with multimorbidity, identify associated factors, and explore perceived difficulties.

methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among PCPs in five regions of Zhejiang, China, using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to assess PCPs' engagement in medication decision-making and their perceived difficulties. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PCPs' overall engagement of medication decision-making practices.

resultsA total of 346 valid responses were included in the final analysis. PCPs showed limited engagement in eliciting patient preferences and addressing individual concerns. Perceived difficulties included difficulties in understanding complex medication regimens and adverse reactions, evaluating overall benefits and risks, and discussing treatment alternatives. Linear regression analysis revealed that daily outpatient volume (B = -0.046, 95% CI: -0.083 to -0.008), prior training in medication use (B = 5.764, 95% CI: 1.559 to 9.969), and collaboration with pharmacists (B = 7.048, 95% CI: 3.313 to 10.782) were significantly associated with more appropriate decision-making practices.

conclusionWhile many PCPs reported general engagement in medication decision-making, gaps remain in managing complex therapies and delivering patient-centered care. Targeted pharmaceutical training and strengthened interprofessional collaboration may support PCPs in improving medication decisions for patients with multimorbidity.

Indexed as

Decision MakingMultimorbidityPhysicians, Primary CareAdultChinaCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and Questionnaires

Identifiers

PMID41886419
PMCPMC13020813

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.