Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Continuity of Patient Care

Continuity of patient care refers to the provision of seamless and coordinated healthcare services to a patient over time. It involves ensuring that the patient receives appropriate care at each stage of their illness, from initial diagnosis to recovery or management of a chronic condition.

One way continuity of care is achieved is through the use of a primary care physician, who acts as a patient’s main point of contact and coordinates care with other healthcare providers.

Another way is through the use of electronic health records (EHRs) which allow healthcare providers to easily access and share patient information, including medical history, medications, allergies, and test results. This helps to ensure that all providers involved in a patient’s care have access to the same information, reducing the risk of errors or oversights.

Continuity of care also includes care coordination, which is the process of ensuring that all of the services a patient receives are closely linked and well-coordinated, with an aim to improve the patients outcomes, reduce unnecessary interventions and achieve the best possible health outcomes.

Continuity of care is essential for ensuring that patients receive appropriate and effective care, and can help to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance patient satisfaction.