Is ‘too much medicine’ a guideline‐driven phenomenon? Ten years' report and reflections of the Guidelines International Network Multimorbidity Working Group

Abstract

Highlights The Guidelines International Network Multimorbidity Working Group aims to explore how and to what extent multimorbidity can be reflected in guideline development. Single disease guidelines contribute to ‘too much medicine’, including the abundance of diagnostic and therapeutic measures with potential harm to the patient. The ‘less is more’ approach includes communication on patient outcomes, recommendations for deprescribing and awareness of climate impact. Guidelines supporting person‐centred care could reduce the risk of low‐value care for multimorbid patients, which will benefit both individual and planetary health.