A qualitative study to investigate Swiss hospital personnel’s perceived importance of and experiences with patient’s mental–somatic multimorbidities

Abstract Background Mental–somatic multimorbidity in general hospital settings is associated with long stays, frequent rehospitalization, and a deterioration of disease course, thus, highlighting the need for treating patients more holistically. However, there are several challenges to overcome address mental health conditions these settings. This study investigated personnel’s perceived importance experiences mental–somatic multimorbidities Basel, Switzerland, special consideration differences between physicians nurses. Methods Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted nurses ( n = 10) 8) different hospitals located Switzerland. An inductive approach framework analysis was used develop themes. Results Four themes emerged from data analysis: 1) relevance within hospitals, 2) professionals managing their emotions towards health, 3) knowledge competencies multimorbidity, 4) interprofessional collaboration handling settings.The found be relevant among all professionals, although priority higher than physicians. might have resulted working environments or efficient hospitals. Physicians both highlighted difficulties dealing stigma, lack disorders, emphasis place on somatic competing priorities work availability, which hindered adequate Conclusion To support integrate into work, proper needed, such as private rooms communicate patients. In addition, changes curriculums continuing training needed improve understanding reduce negative stereotypes. Similarly, needs strengthened adequately identify treat mentally multimorbid A stronger focus should placed considering patient daily treatment care.