What mechanisms could link GP relational continuity to patient outcomes?

Relational continuity of GP care, defined as a patient seeing the same doctor repeatedly, is a means towards the end of better reciprocal doctor-patient relationships. It has been linked to various outcomes for patients, doctors, and health systems, including patient satisfaction, reduced accident a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of general practice 2021-06, Vol.71 (707), p.278-281
Main Authors: Sidaway-Lee, Kate, Pereira Gray OBE, Denis, Harding, Alexander, Evans, Philip
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Continuity of care
Family physicians
Health care
Patient safety
Patient satisfaction
Physician patient relationships
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Summary:Relational continuity of GP care, defined as a patient seeing the same doctor repeatedly, is a means towards the end of better reciprocal doctor-patient relationships. It has been linked to various outcomes for patients, doctors, and health systems, including patient satisfaction, reduced accident and emergency use, better concordance with medical advice, and reduced hospital admissions. Two systematic reviews have found that continuity is associated with reduced mortality; one in primary care. Another aggregate outcome of continuity is reduced costs in the health system, important when countries face cost pressures in health care. In antenatal care, there is evidence from 15 randomized trials that continuity improves outcomes, but in general practice trials have not yet been completed. Hundreds of studies from various countries and health systems have linked increased continuity to positive outcomes; some show no link and only a few an association with adverse effects. To the best of the current knowledge, and on the balance of probabilities, continuity is likely to be beneficial. On this basis it is now important to consider what possible mechanisms can explain the continuity effects.
ISSN:0960-1643
1478-5242
DOI:10.3399/bjgp21X716093