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.
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.
Authors: Angela Sweeney; Diana Rose; Sarah Clement; Fatima Jichi; Ian Rees Jones; Tom Burns; Jocelyn Catty; Susan Mclaren; Til Wykes Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2012-06-08 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Steve Gillard; Katie Adams; Christine Edwards; Mike Lucock; Stephen Miller; Lucy Simons; Kati Turner; Rachel White; Sarah White Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2012-07-07 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Angela Sweeney; Jonathon Davies; Susan McLaren; Margaret Whittock; Ferew Lemma; Ruth Belling; Sarah Clement; Tom Burns; Jocelyn Catty; Ian Rees Jones; Diana Rose; Til Wykes Journal: Health Expect Date: 2015-12-29 Impact factor: 3.377