Continuity and coordination of care: conceptual interface and nurses' contributions

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Continuity and coordination of care are complex, interrelated concepts often lacking clear conceptual understanding.
• The concept of continuity of care has evolved, incorporating patient perspectives and encompassing interpersonal, longitudinal, management, and informational domains.
• Coordination of care involves establishing connections within healthcare, categorized as horizontal/vertical and sequential/parallel/indirect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the concepts of continuity and coordination of care.
• To explore their conceptual interface and the role of nursing actions in ensuring effectiveness.
• To analyze international and national scientific publications on these topics.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical-reflective study.
• Analysis of international and national scientific publications.
• Conceptual discussion and synthesis.

Main Results:

• Despite decades of study, a lack of conceptual clarity persists regarding continuity and coordination of care.
• Continuity of care now includes patient perspectives and multiple domains (interpersonal, longitudinal, management, informational).
• Coordination is classified as horizontal/vertical and organized into sequential, parallel, and indirect categories.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' actions are crucial for effective continuity and coordination of care across different healthcare levels.
• Interconnecting continuity and coordination is essential for achieving integrated and continuous healthcare services.
• A cohesive, people-centered approach to care is strengthened by nurses' integrated efforts in continuity and coordination.