Patient-Physician Shared Experiences and Value Patients Place on Continuity of Care
By Arch G. Mainous III, Ph.D., et al
Analyzing data from the Direct Observation of Primary Care Study, researchers found that patients are more likely to value an ongoing relationship with their family doctor when they feel they have been through a lot with the doctor. The authors explain that there are two major paths to patients valuing continuity of care: 1) if they patient and physician have been together for a long time and 2) if the patient and physician have been together through major life events such as a serious illness, hospitalization, birth or death. When both are present, patients place a great deal of value on continuity of care. They note that simply seeing the same doctor over time does not guarantee that the patient will feel a personal relationship with or loyalty to the doctor.

Interpersonal Continuity of Care and Patient Satisfaction: A Critical Review
By John W. Saultz, M.D., et al
In a systematic review of 22 original research articles that studied the relationship between patient satisfaction with medical care and interpersonal continuity a personal doctor-patient relationship characterized by loyalty and trust the researchers found 19 studies showing significant positive associations between interpersonal continuity and patient satisfaction. None of the studies reviewed indicated a downside to continuity of care.

Age-Related Disparities in Cancer Screening: Analysis of 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data
By Anthony F. Jerant, M.D., et al
Analyzing a large, nationally representative sample, researchers found significant age-related disparities in several cancer screening interventions, including colorectal screening, mammography screening and PSA testing. The findings indicate a relative underuse of colorectal screening by young
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Contact: Angela Lower
alower@aafp.org
913-906-6253
American Academy of Family Physicians
5-Oct-2004