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Healthcare
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Multidisciplinary Approaches to Chronic Disease Management
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Multidisciplinary Approaches to Chronic Disease Management

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Chronic Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2026) | Viewed by 5574

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana Fernandez-Araque

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Nursery, Campus Duques de Soria, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
2. Grupo de Investigación Reconocido “Pharmacogenetics, Cancer Genetics, Genetic, Polymorphisms and Pharmacoepidemiology”, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
Interests: chronic disease; pain; quality of life; geroscience; disease management
Dr. Zoraida Verde Rello

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Biochemistry, Campus Duques de Soria, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
2. Grupo de Investigación Reconocido “Pharmacogenetics, Cancer Genetics, Genetic, Polymorphisms and Pharmacoepidemiology”, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
Interests: chronic disease; genetic polymorphisms; pain; multidisciplinary
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic diseases represent a significant global health challenge, affecting individuals across all age groups and requiring long-term, often complex, management strategies. Their impact is particularly profound in older adults, who frequently experience comorbidities, chronic pain, and a decline in quality of life. Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive and integrated approach.

We invite you to contribute your work to this Special Issue to help advance the evidence base for effective, person-centered chronic disease management.

This Special Issue aims to explore current and emerging multidisciplinary approaches to chronic disease management, with a focus on improving pain control, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life.

We invite the submission of original research articles and reviews addressing innovative interventions, interdisciplinary models of care, and tailored strategies for diverse populations, including older adults. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

  • Randomized controlled trials evaluating multidisciplinary interventions in chronic disease management;
  • Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on interprofessional care strategies for chronic conditions;
  • Longitudinal studies assessing the impact of integrated care on quality of life in older adults;
  • Cross-sectional studies exploring pain perception and coping strategies in patients with chronic illnesses;
  • Comparative studies of treatment adherence strategies across different healthcare disciplines;
  • Validation and implementation studies of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in chronic disease settings;
  • Psychometric evaluations of tools measuring chronic pain, functional capacity, or treatment adherence;
  • Mixed-methods research exploring patient and caregiver experiences in multidisciplinary care models;
  • Cost-effectiveness analyses of team-based care approaches versus standard care;
  • Studies addressing cultural adaptation of chronic disease management tools in diverse populations.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ana Fernandez-Araque
Dr. Zoraida Verde Rello
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • chronic disease management
  • pain control
  • interprofessional interventions
  • quality of life
  • patient-reported outcomes
  • multidisciplinary interventions

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 1333 KB  
Article
Feasibility and Pre–Post Changes Associated with a 12-Week Treadmill Walking Training Programme on Walking Performance, Physical Function, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Single-Arm Pilot Study
by Gema Santamaría, Natalia Román Nieto, Raúl Cobreros Mielgo, Ana M. Celorrio San Miguel, Luis M. Cacharro, Juan F. Mielgo-Ayuso and Diego Fernández-Lázaro
Healthcare 2026, 14(4), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14040552 - 23 Feb 2026
Viewed by 682
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Walking impairment and fatigue are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and contribute to reduced physical function and quality of life (QoL). This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and pre–post changes associated with a 12-week treadmill walking training (TWT) programme on walking [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Walking impairment and fatigue are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and contribute to reduced physical function and quality of life (QoL). This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and pre–post changes associated with a 12-week treadmill walking training (TWT) programme on walking performance, physical function, fatigue, and QoL in people with MS. Methods: Single-arm pilot study with pre–post assessments (T1–T2). Eleven adults with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] ≤ 6) completed supervised TWT for 12 weeks (two 25 min sessions/week) at the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Soria (Spain). Outcomes included SF-36, Timed Up and Go (TUG), 4 m gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Within-participant changes were analysed using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests as appropriate; effect sizes were reported as appropriate for the statistical test. Results: SF-36 total score did not change significantly (p = 0.160), while general health (p = 0.039) and vitality (p = 0.043) improved. Walking performance improved (TUG, p = 0.007; 4 m gait speed, p < 0.001), and physical function increased (SPPB, p = 0.003). Fatigue impact decreased (MFIS total, p = 0.015; physical, p = 0.007; psychosocial, p = 0.026), whereas the cognitive subscale did not change significantly (p = 0.094). Adherence was 91.7%, and no adverse events were reported. Conclusions: In this pilot sample, a 12-week TWT programme was feasible and safe and was associated with improvements in walking performance, physical function, and fatigue, with QoL changes limited to specific SF-36 domains. These findings support proceeding to a randomised controlled trial to establish efficacy. These findings should be interpreted as preliminary and exploratory, given the single-arm pre–post study design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Approaches to Chronic Disease Management)
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14 pages, 342 KB  
Article
Impact of Psychiatric Rehabilitation on Chronicity and Health Outcomes in Mental Disorders: A Quasi-Experimental Study
by Marta Llorente-Alonso, Marta Tello Villamayor, Estela Marco Sainz, Pilar Barrio Íñigo, Lourdes Serrano Matamoros, Irais Esther García Villalobos, Irene Cuesta Matía, Andrea Martínez Abella, María José Velasco Gamarra, María Nélida Castillo Antón and María Concepción Sanz García
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020250 - 20 Jan 2026
Viewed by 848
Abstract
Background/Objectives: People suffering from mental illnesses are more likely to experience adverse social and health outcomes. Various interventions have been shown to help people with mental illness achieve better results in terms of symptom reduction, functional status, and quality of life. Psychiatric [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: People suffering from mental illnesses are more likely to experience adverse social and health outcomes. Various interventions have been shown to help people with mental illness achieve better results in terms of symptom reduction, functional status, and quality of life. Psychiatric rehabilitation interventions integrate evidence-based practices, promising approaches, and emerging methods that can be effectively implemented to enhance health outcomes in this population. This study aims to examine whether the rehabilitative treatment provided to a group of patients with mental illness leads to improvements in health outcomes and psychiatric symptomatology. Methods: This study employed a retrospective quasi-experimental design. Data were collected between 2023 and 2025 within the Partial Hospitalization Program of the Psychiatry and Mental Health Service of Soria (Spain). The sample consisted of 58 participants who received rehabilitative treatment in this setting. Data were collected at the time of patients’ admission and at discharge. Gender, age, psychiatric diagnosis according to ICD-10, and the average length of stay in the rehabilitation program were assessed. The questionnaires administered were psychometrically validated scales related to heteroaggressiveness, perceived quality of life, global functioning, attitudes toward medication, and the risk of suicide. Results: A significant improvement was observed in the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale (t = −7.1, p < 0.001), with mean scores increasing from 42.17 at admission to 69.13 at discharge. Additionally, reductions in suicidal risk and hetero-aggressive behavior were noted, alongside improvements in quality of life and treatment adherence. Conclusions: The findings highlight the effectiveness of implementing activities and programs focused on psychiatric rehabilitation processes to promote positive health outcomes. Future research directions and practical implications are discussed to support the continued development and optimization of psychiatric rehabilitation programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Approaches to Chronic Disease Management)
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11 pages, 245 KB  
Article
Emotional Well-Being and Glycemic Control in People with Diabetes After a Multidisciplinary Hybrid Education
by Carmen Amelia Ruiz-Trillo, Ana Pérez-Morales, Ana Cortés-Lerena, Pilar Santa Cruz-Álvarez, Mónica Enríquez-Macias, Manuel Pabón-Carrasco, Miguel Garrido-Bueno, Rocío Romero-Castillo and Virginia Bellido
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020198 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 936
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Multidisciplinary hybrid educational programs combined with continuous glucose monitoring may contribute to improved self-management in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM); however, real-world evidence remains limited. This study assessed the effects of an educational intervention integrated with continuous glucose monitoring on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Multidisciplinary hybrid educational programs combined with continuous glucose monitoring may contribute to improved self-management in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM); however, real-world evidence remains limited. This study assessed the effects of an educational intervention integrated with continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control and patient-reported outcomes in adults with T1DM. Methods: We conducted a single-group quasi-experimental study including 210 adults with T1DM from a public hospital. The nurse-led hybrid intervention consisted of a 2-h in-person group educational session followed by an individual telematic follow-up session. All participants used continuous glucose monitoring. The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c at 9 months. Secondary outcomes included continuous glucose monitoring metrics, diabetes-related quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and hypoglycemia awareness. Results: HbA1c showed a statistically significant but modest reduction from 7.70 ± 1.10% to 7.45 ± 0.91% following the intervention (p = 0.003). No statistically significant changes were observed in continuous glucose monitoring metrics, including time in range, time below and above range, mean glucose, glycemic variability, or sensor wear time. In terms of emotional well-being, treatment satisfaction increased significantly (8.17 ± 7.86 vs. 12.73 ± 5.49; p < 0.001), and the Clarke score showed a statistically significant but modest decrease (2.49 ± 1.90 vs. 2.12 ± 1.88; p = 0.017). Although the overall quality of life score did not change significantly, statistically significant differences were observed in several subscales, including satisfaction, impact, and diabetes-related concern. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary hybrid educational intervention integrated with continuous glucose monitoring was associated with modest improvements in HbA1c and statistically significant, though limited, enhancements in quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and hypoglycemia awareness in adults with T1DM. These findings suggest that similar educational models may have a supportive role in routine care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Approaches to Chronic Disease Management)
14 pages, 266 KB  
Article
Lifestyle in Nursing Students: Physical Activity Level, Diet Quality, Body Composition, and Cardiovascular Risk (ABSI)
by Carmen María Guerrero-Agenjo, Sergio Rodríguez-Cañamero, Ángel López-González, Cristina Rivera-Picón, Samantha Díaz-González, Carlos Durantez-Fernandez, Jose Alberto Laredo-Aguilera, Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres, Jesús López-Torres Hidalgo and Joseba Rabanales-Sotos
Healthcare 2025, 13(20), 2647; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202647 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1460
Abstract
Background/Objective: One of the life stages that affects the consolidation of habits and health is the university stage. This transition to adulthood is associated with a decrease in physical activity, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study describes lifestyle habits related [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: One of the life stages that affects the consolidation of habits and health is the university stage. This transition to adulthood is associated with a decrease in physical activity, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study describes lifestyle habits related to physical activity level, diet quality, and body composition in nursing students and analyzes cardiovascular risk using the ABSI-z index. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 296 students from the Faculty of Nursing of Albacete (Spain). Physical activity was assessed via the IPAQ-SF. Body composition was measured by bioimpedance, from which BMI and ABSI-z scores were obtained as indicators of cardiovascular risk. The eating patterns of the participants were analyzed. Results/Discussion: The active students had significantly better body composition, with greater fat-free mass and muscle mass than the sedentary students, both in men (p = 0.037 and p = 0.046, respectively) and in women (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007). These findings corroborate evidence of the protective role of physical activity in maintaining metabolic health. The analysis of the ABSI-z score revealed different patterns in the distribution of body fat. High ABSI values were associated with greater abdominal girth (p < 0.001) and visceral fat (p < 0.001) in women, confirming its usefulness as an early marker of cardiovascular risk in university students. In contrast, the fulfillment of healthy dietary criteria was low, especially in the consumption of legumes (19%) and fish (25.9%). Conclusions: Regular physical activity is a determining factor in the body composition of university students, and ABSI is a good indicator of cardiovascular risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Approaches to Chronic Disease Management)

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40 pages, 4483 KB  
Perspective
The Therapeutic Home Environment for Chronic Diseases: A Transdisciplinary Ecosystem for Achieving Migraine Freedom and Managing Comorbid Anxiety, Insomnia, and Chronic Pain
by Dorothy Day Huntsman, Desiree Jenkinson and Grzegorz Bulaj
Healthcare 2026, 14(9), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14091123 - 22 Apr 2026
Viewed by 757
Abstract
Home has been recognized as a health infrastructure through hospital-at-home, home care, and direct-to-consumer wellness and fitness products. However, the patient home environment has been largely overlooked by healthcare as a means to improve therapy outcomes for difficult-to-treat chronic conditions, such as migraine; [...] Read more.
Home has been recognized as a health infrastructure through hospital-at-home, home care, and direct-to-consumer wellness and fitness products. However, the patient home environment has been largely overlooked by healthcare as a means to improve therapy outcomes for difficult-to-treat chronic conditions, such as migraine; high-impact pain; and treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Growing research evidence enables the formulation of a therapeutic home environment standard consisting of three pillars: biophilic design, indoor environmental quality, and intentional self-care spaces that serve as habit cues and foster sleep hygiene, stress management, relaxation, physical activity, and social interactions. Together, these environmental and behavioral interventions can transform real-world inputs into clinical benefits through autonomic, circadian, and emotional regulation. We also highlight the converging roles of self-management, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and self-compassion in sustaining patient engagement and healing at home. The applicability of the therapeutic home environment as an adjunct is illustrated in the case of chronic migraine, a debilitating neurological condition commonly associated with comorbidities. Current challenges in achieving migraine freedom with FDA-approved pharmacotherapies, neuromodulation devices, and digital health technologies are underscored by the high prevalence of refractory, chronic, episodic, and pediatric migraine. Perspectives on developing a personalized, multimodal cure for migraine are illustrated through a hypothetical drug + digital combination therapy comprising anti-CGRP drugs and an AI-powered digital health platform that promotes daily self-care practices within the therapeutic home environments. In conclusion, achieving sustained freedom from high-morbidity conditions requires end-to-end care ecosystems that integrate pharmacological, cognitive, behavioral, and environmental interventions into real-world settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Approaches to Chronic Disease Management)
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