Résumé
Background Multimorbidity refers to the presence of multiple co-existing conditions, but is often underappreciated in the context of severe asthma (SA) management. We sought to identify differences in approaches to multimorbidity management in SA, variability in access to multidisciplinary team (MDT) resources, and whether physician perspectives on multimorbidity differ between SA specialists and general respiratory physicians. Methods The Severe Heterogeneous Asthma Registry, Patient-centred (SHARP) Clinical Research Collaboration circulated an online physician survey via European national respiratory societies to assess a) available resources to address multimorbidity and b) physician perspectives on multimorbidity in SA. Results 495 responses from 25 European countries included 48% SA specialists and 52% general respiratory physicians. SA specialists had more experience with SA patients (20% seeing>60 patients/month) compared to general respiratory physicians. SA specialists had greater access to multidisciplinary care – including better access to MDT, allied health professionals and referrals to external specialists and therefore more routinely assessed comorbidities and considered them greater influences on their practice. They also considered multimorbidity to a greater degree, and rated its impact on their patients’ asthma outcomes (and general health outcomes) as more substantial. Conclusions Alongside more experience of treating SA, SA specialists have increased awareness of multimorbidity and better resources to manage it. However, access to MDTs remains a significant gap for both SA specialists and general respiratory physicians. Furthermore, both groups identified a high need for further education and training about multimorbidity. These findings highlight key areas for improvement in clinical practice, resources and training.