The Article in Brief

Measuring Continuity of Care In Diabetes Mellitus: An Experience-Based Measure

By Martin C. Gulliford, FRCP, and colleagues

Background An ongoing relationship between patient and doctor is important in managing diabetes, since diabetes care requires close cooperation between the patient and the health care team. Some diabetic patients, however, do not receive care on a regular basis. There are few methods available for measuring the ongoing relationship between patients and medical professionals (often called "continuity of care"). This study aimed to develop and test a questionnaire to measure continuity of care in patients with type 2 diabetes.

What This Study Found A questionnaire was developed, based on patient interviews, to measure diabetes patients' experience of continuity of care. It was tested in a survey of 193 diabetes patients in London, England. This study shows that the tool is a reliable and valid measure of experienced continuity of care.

Implications

• The questionnaire may be used in family practice settings and by other specialists, and can be completed by the patient or presented in an interview format.
• The questionnaire can increase understanding of factors that improve or harm patients' experiences of continuity of care.
• Because it is short, acceptable to patients, and can be used in different care settings, the questionnaire can be used to routinely monitor quality of care.