Cheng Cheng,1,2 Martin Christensen1 

1School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Nursing, Fudan University, Xuhui, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Martin Christensen, School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, People’s Republic of China, Tel +852 27667475, Email martin.christensen@polyu.edu.hk

Abstract: This umbrella review was to synthesize the summarized evidence-based research regarding interventions addressing symptoms in older populations with multimorbidity. Three databases including PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were searched systematically. The JBI Methodology for Umbrella Reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements were used to report this review. Six reviews published between 2016 and 2010 were included for analysis. Interventions were mixed and included components on health-related behaviors, body systems or functions, activities and participation domains, and the environment. Outcomes concerning physiological/clinical functioning were most reported. The evidence regarding the symptoms-related interventions was mixed, but all showed promising outcomes compared with usual care or not. To sum up, this umbrella review reveals the lack of strong empirical evidence for the effectiveness of intervention addressing symptoms in older adults with multimorbidity. It highlights the need to evaluate the established approach of interventions further to support this population.

Keywords: chronic disease, multimorbidity, systematic review, signs and symptoms