The relationship between continuity and patient satisfaction: a systematic review.

Fam Pract · 2010

systematic_review · Level I

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Continuity between doctors and patients likely affects patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: To assess the current evidence on the relationship between continuity and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Systematic review of studies of adults in general, family, or internal medicine practices with ongoing, direct, face-to-face contact with their physician. Measures of the relationship between continuity and patient satisfaction were examined. RESULTS: A MEDLINE search covering 1984-2007 and a Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature search covering 1981-2007 identified 263 relevant studies and 12 studies met inclusion criteria. There were 12 different continuity measures and 9 different satisfaction measures. CONCLUSIONS: Continuity has a variable effect on patient satisfaction.