Towards a Theory of Continuity of Care

Will doctor rating sites improve the quality of care? No

“…Instead of wasting resources on doctor rating websites it would be far better to spend it on implementing strategies that are known to improve patient satisfaction, such as continuity of care and longer consultations. [8][9][10] …”

Do patients value continuity of care in general practice? An investigation using stated preference discrete choice experiments

“…Relational continuity in primary care is associated with increased patient satisfaction and trust in the doctor, 2,3 patient enablement, 4 and also adherence to advice and reduced hospital admissions. 5 However, the value individuals place upon different types of continuity may differ depending upon their health or the complexity of their condition. 6,7 Patients also value other aspects of the consultation including, for example, access.…”

Continuity in the Provider of Home-Based Physical Therapy Services and Its Implications for Outcomes of Patients

“…Furthermore, the level of provider continuity might be related to additional outcomes of patients that were not examined in the present study, such as satisfaction, adherence to treatment regimens, and other indicators of health status. 22 Additional studies that examine how provider continuity influences these outcomes would significantly build upon current literature. Moreover, future research should examine other dimensions of continuity, including characteristics of relationships, such as the level of loyalty and trust between a patient and a health care provider.…”