Continuity in different care modes and its relationship to quality of life: a randomised controlled trial in patients with COPD.

ABSTRACT:

Background

New care modes in primary care may affect patients' experienced continuity of care.

Aim

To analyse whether experienced continuity for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) changes after different care modes are introduced, and to analyse the relationship between continuity of care and patients' quality of life.

Design and setting

Randomised controlled trial with 2-year follow-up in general practice in the Netherlands.

Method

A total of 180 patients with COPD were randomly assigned to three different care modes: self-management, regular monitoring by a practice nurse, and care provided by the GP at the patient's own initiative (usual care). Experienced continuity of care as personal continuity (proportion of visits with patient'

SUBMITTER: Uijen AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3361122 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature