Factors associated with achieving continuity of care in general practice.

The continuity of care received by 128 patients in four Bristol group practices over a two-year period was measured. A high standard of continuity of care was found for many patients, even though they were registered with large training practices. Patients registered with practices operating personal lists received much better continuity of care than those registered with practices operating combined lists.Patients in the study regarded continuity of care as important, especially if they were registered with practices operating personal lists.All the doctors in the study appeared to regard continuity of care as important, although those operating personal lists were more positive in this view.