Clarifying model for continuity of care: A concept analysis

Abstract

Aim: The aim is to clarify the use of the term continuity in the specific context of acute care hospitalization and discharge.

Background: The meaning of "continuity" is often co-mingled with other concepts, specifically coordination and communication. To increase usefulness for contemporary concerns with the hospitalization-postdischarge continuum, continuity of care is examined from the specific context of acute hospitalization and discharge.

Design: Concept analysis.

Data sources: Medline via Ovid, Cochrane Library, Cinahl, and Google Scholar. Search years encompassed 2001-2016.

Review methods: Rodgers evolutionary concept analysis method.

Results: A total of 50 papers were included in this concept analysis. Synthesis of findings from these papers resulted in a model of continuity of care that illustrates the hierarchical and interdependent relationship between time and setting, patient-provider relationships, communication, and coordination in the context of discharge transitions.

Conclusion: The continuity model provides a framework to assist in the design of multicomponent, interdisciplinary, integrated interventions that can then be tested for their effect on patient care practices and outcomes.

Keywords: communication; continuity model; coordination; discharge transition; nursing; patient-provider relationship.