Polypathology, an emerging phenomenon and a challenge for healthcare systems

Improvements in living conditions and scientific advances have led to an unprecedented demographic change. The curing of numerous acute diseases and the growing adoption of unhealthy lifestyles have caused a pandemic of cumulative chronic diseases that constitute the leading cause of death worldwide. Currently, the most common situation is the coexistence of multiple chronic diseases (or polypathology). This situation undermines socio-economic development and increases inequality. This results in an overriding need to change the way in which health and disease are addressed. Healthcare systems are not prepared to meet the needs of complex polypathological patients. In this article, we summarise the challenges facing healthcare systems and states, as well as the main recommendations from the organisations responsible for healthcare.