Abstract
Background: The relationship between continuity of care and user characteristics or outcomes has rarely been explored. The ECHO study operationalized and tested a multi-axial definition of continuity of care, producing a seven-factor model used here.
Aims: To assess the relationship between user characteristics and established components of continuity of care, and the impact of continuity on clinical and social functioning.
Methods: The sample comprised 180 community mental health team users with psychotic disorders who were interviewed at three annual time-points, to assess their experiences of continuity of care and clinical and social functioning. Scores on seven continuity factors were tested for association with user-level variables.
Results: Improvement in quality of life was associated with better Experience & Relationship continuity scores (better user-rated continuity and therapeutic relationship) and with lower Meeting Needs continuity factor scores. Higher Meeting Needs scores were associated with a decrease in symptoms.
Conclusion: Continuity is a dynamic process, influenced significantly by care structures and organizational change.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 5-17 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | International Journal of Social Psychiatry |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2013 |
Keywords
- PATIENT
- SCALE
- Continuity of care
- QUALITY-OF-LIFE
- AFTERCARE
- SYSTEM
- SUICIDE
- RELIABILITY
- severe mental illness
- OUTCOMES
- CRITERIA
- community care
- MENTAL-HEALTH-SERVICES