Factors associated with family physicians' perceived self-efficacy in multimorbidity management

Multimorbidity is a significant challenge for primary care. No previous research has examined self-efficacy in managing patients with multimorbidity among Portuguese family physicians.

This study aims to assess self-efficacy levels in family physicians and identifying significant associations.

Analytical cross-sectional study conducted among Portuguese family physicians from June to August 2024. A non-probability snowball sampling method was used to distribute a web-based survey. Ten independent variables (sex, age, marital status, children, professional stage, years of experience, workplace, work-family conflict, perceived organizational support and physician burden) were studied with the outcome variable - perceived self-efficacy. Multiple logistic regression model was performed.

102 family physicians completed the online questionnaire, with a median age of 38 years and a median work experience of 10.5 years. The majority of the sample were female (78.4%), married/cohabiting (70.6%), and employed in family health units (87.3%). Sixty-nine participants (67.6%) perceived their self-efficacy in multimorbidity management as high (Likert scale ratings 4 or 5). In the multivariate analysis being single, divorced, or widowed; having children; being a family physician trainee; and experiencing physician burden were associated with a reduced odds of perceived self-efficacy in managing multimorbidity.

The findings of the present study highlight the importance of addressing physician burden to improve perceived self-efficacy in managing multimorbidity. Therefore, efforts should focus on reducing this burden by alleviating workplace stress and providing targeted training in managing multimorbidity. Improving self-efficacy is expected to encourage physicians to engage in proactive, patient-centered care, leading to better health outcomes.