Continuity of care: differing conceptions and values

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Primary Care Research
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Continuity of care is a cornerstone of family medicine, fostering long-term patient relationships and improving health outcomes.
• Understanding how trainees perceive and value continuity of care is crucial for effective medical education and practice development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the influence of continuity of care on family physician trainees.
• To compare the perspectives of established family physicians, physicians in episodic care, and family medicine trainees on continuity of care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of semistructured focus group interviews.
• Seven focus groups were conducted with established family physicians, physicians in episodic care, and family medicine trainees in Southeastern Ontario.
• Constant comparative analysis was used to identify themes related to the value of continuity of care.

Main Results:

• Significant differences emerged in how relationship continuity and informational continuity were valued across the three physician groups.
• Experienced family physicians emphasized long-term relationships, while episodic care physicians prioritized informational continuity.
• Family medicine trainees valued efficiency and patient recognition, but experienced greater distress with difficult patient interactions compared to experienced physicians.

Conclusions:

• Varying perceptions, practice settings, and acquired skills influence the valuation of continuity of care among physicians.
• These differences may impact career trajectories and practice decisions for family medicine trainees.