Regular source of primary medical care and patient satisfaction.

As hypothesized, results indicate the greater the degree of continuity in the physician/patient relationship, the higher the level of patient satisfaction. The level of continuity was related to each of the five scale items individually and to the overall patient satisfaction scale. Even when patient background characteristics were controlled, continuity remained a key predictor of satisfaction with primary care received. This study demonstrates the importance of conceptualizing continuity on a continuum, or at least across several categories, rather than reducing it to an either/or construct. Important differences in patient satisfaction occur between and among patients who see the same physician for each episode of primary care, who attend a small group of physicians working together, who attend a clinic or medical center where a different physician may be seen on each occasion, and who do not have a regular source of care. To the extent that patient satisfaction is accepted as a worthwhile objective for the delivery of medical care, emphasis should be placed on providing the maximum feasible level of continuity. This goal is applicable to nurses and other members of the health care team as well as to physicians. It is certainly relevant for those in position to determine an institution's commitment to providing continuous care. For example, directors of prepaid medical plans are increasingly favoring arrangements that include some degree of continuity between physician and patient. Many medical schools that offer courses in patient management are expanding their emphasis on the value of continuity in the physician/patient relationship.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)