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Epidemiology and organization of care in medically unexplained symptoms: a systematic review with a focus on cultural diversity and migrants
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  • Peter Vermeir,
  • An Mariman,
  • Lilla Lucza,
  • Sallay Viola,
  • Anne Weiland,
  • Karen Stegers-Jager,
  • Vogelaers Dirk
Peter Vermeir
Ghent University Hospital

Corresponding Author:peter.vermeir@uzgent.be

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An Mariman
Ghent University Hospital
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Lilla Lucza
University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine
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Sallay Viola
University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine
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Anne Weiland
Erasmus University Rotterdam
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Karen Stegers-Jager
Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
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Vogelaers Dirk
Ghent University Hospital
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Abstract

Background: Since the pathophysiology of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) remains unclear, health care providers often struggle with these patients, especially with a different ethnic and/or cultural background. These challenges are insufficiently addressed in their training and in the organization of care. Aim: To improve health care provider-patient interaction focused on MUS patients in general and in ethnic minorities and refugees in particular through a systematic review of syndromal definitions and epidemiology and organization of care of MUS patients. Methods: Screening of PubMed, Web of Science, Cinahl and Cochrane Library on the keywords ‘Medical unexplained (physical) symptoms (MUPS)’, ‘Somatoform disorder’, ‘Functional syndrome’, ‘Diversity’, ‘Migrants’, ‘Ethnicity’, ‘Care models’, ‘Medical education’, ‘Communication skills’, ‘Health literacy’ Results: Different case definitions result in markedly different epidemiologic estimates for MUS patients. Nevertheless, they are prevalent in a wide range of health care settings. Literature offers evidence of the effectiveness of structural frameworks in approaching MUS patients. Organization of MUS care needs to transcend different levels of care: specialist tertiary and secondary care and primary care involving different qualifications of caregivers need to be aligned. Conclusion: The systematic review identified significant gaps and shortcomings in organization of care. These need to be addressed in order to improve outcomes. Keywords: Medical unexplained (physical) symptoms (MUPS), Somatoform disorder, Functional syndrome, Diversity, Migrants, Ethnicity, Care models Message for the clinic: - Medically unexplained symptoms are highly prevalent but case definitions hamper both recognition and a proper approach. - MUS are ill understood in both the general population as in migrants and refugees. - Interdisciplinary and integrated care through a biopsychosocial model is mandatory.
09 Dec 2020Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
09 Dec 2020Submission Checks Completed
09 Dec 2020Assigned to Editor
03 Jan 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
01 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Aug 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
24 Aug 20211st Revision Received
27 Aug 2021Submission Checks Completed
27 Aug 2021Assigned to Editor
27 Aug 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Accept