Continuity

Continuity of health care[edit]Continuity of health care (also called continuum of care[2]) is to what degree the care is coherent and linked, in turn depending on the quality of information flow, interpersonal skills, and coordination of care.[3] Continuity of health care means different things to different types of caregivers, and can be of several types:

Continuity of information. It includes that information on prior events is used to give care that is appropriate to the patient's current circumstance.[3]
Continuity of personal relationships, recognizing that an ongoing relationship between patients and providers is the undergirding that connects care over time and bridges discontinuous events.[3]
Continuity of clinical management.[3]
To avoid misinterpretation, the type of continuity should be agreed to before any related discussions or planning begin.[3] Seamless care refers to an optimal situation where there is continuity in the healthcare even in the presence of many transitions.[2]

Analysis of medical errors usually reveals the presence of many gaps in health continuity, yet only rarely do gaps produce accidents.[4] Patient safety is increased by understanding and reinforcing health care providers' normal ability to bridge gaps.[4]