Continuity of Care Literature review and implications
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2007, Vol 7, Issue 3
Abstract
Continuity of care is widely regarded as a core value of primary care. Te objective of this article is to explore the literature about the concept of continuity of care focusing on factors that influence continuity; advantages and disadvantages of continuity and the effect of continuity on outcomes, hence on the quality of care. Electronic databases and other websites were searched for relevant literature. Te results of this review showed that continuity of care is influenced by demographic factors, factors related to patients and healthcare professionals, patient-healthcare professional relationship, inter-professional factors, role of receptionists and organisational factors. Several advantages were found to be associated with most types of continuity in various medical disciplines preventive medicine, general health, maternity and child health, mental and psychosocial health, chronic diseases and costs of care. Various factors influenced different types of continuity. Most types of continuity were associated with good outcomes, hence indirectly affecting the quality of care. Health care professionals and policy makers should be aware of the effect of continuity on quality of care and of the factors that influence continuity if they wish to preserve it as a core value of primary care.
Authors and Affiliations
Mohammed Alazri| Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, Philip Heywood| Academic Unit of Primary Care, University of Leeds, UK, Richard D Neal| Department of General Practice, North Wales Clinical School, Cardiff University, UK, Brenda Leese| Centre for Research in Primary Care, University of Leeds, UK
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