Continuity of care: University of Iowa Cleft Lip/Palate Interdisciplinary Team

Patient satisfaction with the continuity of care is an important aspect of care delivery that may be evaluated to assess team effectiveness. This study was conducted to evaluate the number of patients seen by each team member, and the patients' perceived importance of continued care by the same health care provider during their overall treatment.

A survey was constructed by the members of the Cleft Lip/Palate Team at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. One hundred and thirty-eight subjects were invited to participate during consecutive clinic days over a 5-month period; 101 subjects (73.1%) responded.

The survey revealed that the percentage of patients seen by each member of the team ranged from 92.1% (93/101) for the surgeon to 24.8% (25/101) for the genetic counselor. Strong agreement with continuity of care by health professionals ranged from 85.6% (83/97) for the surgeon, 63.7% (58/91) for the orthodontist, 63% (17/27) for the psychologist, to 23.1% (19/82) for the audiologist. The percentages dropped somewhat if the patients thought that they may have to wait longer for their next appointment.

There is a strong preference for continuity of health care.