Summary of Definitions of Continuity of Care

Author(s) Year Definition of ContinuitySemke J.1991 “A process involving the orderly, uninterrupted movement of patients among the diverse elements of the servicedelivery system.” (Bachrach 1991).Barbato A., TerzianE., Saraceno B., et al.Brekke J.S., TestM.A.Hjortdahl, P.Liaw ST., Litt J.,Radford A.White D.Anderson M.A., Helms L.Bachrach L.L.Commonwealth ofAustraliaFreeman G.K.,Richards S.C.Gabel L.L., LucasJ.B., Westbury R.C.1992 “A process involving the uninterrupted movement of patients over time through the diverse elements of the servicedelivery system.” (Bachrach 1991)1992 2 dimensions: “cross-sectional ‘continuity refers to the need at any one point in time for the client to be involved ina system of care that is comprehensive and integrated.’” “Longitudinal continuity means care that is continuousand integrated over time.”1992 Traditional aspect of continuity: “Medical care provided over time by one health care worker.” Revised definitionof continuity: “‘A sense of overall, direct or coordinative responsibility for the different medical needs of thepatient.’”1992 Five dimensions of the continuity environment: “firstly chronological continuity, which refers to care provided overtime to a defined population (also known as longitudinal continuity); secondly geographical continuity referring tosite continuity and/or provider continuity regardless of site (office, hospital, home)… Thirdly interdisciplinarycontinuity or the role of the general practitioner in tackling or coordinating the undifferentiated illnesses, themultifactorial causes and the range of services available. Fourthly interpersonal or relational continuity refers tocontinuity of process that involves the quality of relationships...Informational continuity refers to the medicalrecord as well as all forms of communication between the patient and provider.”1992 Gives several definitions from the literature including: “A broad number of strategies intended to ensure long-term,comprehensive support for people with mental health problems in managing day-to-day life in the “natural milieu”or non-institutional environment.” “ The coordination of diverse services required for the treatment of any type ofchronic or complex illness.”1993 “Coordinating the delivery of ongoing health care services in a variety of health care settings.” “Discharge planning[is] a means of achieving continuity of care [and] is the process in which a patient’s continuing health needs areidentified and communicated to providers at the next level of care.”1993 Canadian definition of continuity of care: “A general practitioner or family physician who, in addition to medicaltasks, takes on direct responsibility for connecting patients with the mental health service system.”1993 “Continuity of care is the provision of long-term, barrier-free access to the necessary range of mental health,general health, social and disability services.”1993 “Seeing the same doctor each time.”1993 Long-term relationship with physician. Ten domains characterise continuity from patient perspective: 1)“familiarity with physician” 2) “physician's knowledge of patient” 3) “satisfaction with care” 4) “confidence inphysician” 5) “personal attributes of physician” 6) “friendship with physician” 7) “professional growth of physician9