Conclusion

In this synopsis report, we have explored the 10 studies undertaken by the BRACE over the period 2018–23, focusing on the ways in which these evaluations of service innovations took account of and impacted on people living with multiple long-term conditions. Through a thematic analysis of the portfolio of evaluations, we have deduced a set of suggested implications for policy, research and practice in respect of attending to the needs of people with multiple long-term conditions when designing and undertaking evaluations of service innovations, and for health and care policy and research more generally. What is clear is that while multimorbidity is a common occurrence, and usually the norm for people over the age of 50 using health and care services, it is not yet at the heart of health service provision, nor of research and evaluation activity. We hope that this overarching study offers useful pointers to how progress might be made in paying greater attention to the health and care needs and priorities of people living with multiple long-term conditions.