Interpersonal Continuity of Care and Patient Satisfaction: A Critical Review
The Annals of Family MedicinePublished 1 September 2004Open access
John Saultz
Citations505
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score1.10
SNIP1.69
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TL;DR
Although the available literature reflects persistent methodologic problems, a consistent and significant positive relationship exists between interpersonal continuity of care and patient satisfaction.
Abstract
Although the available literature reflects persistent methodologic problems, a consistent and significant positive relationship exists between interpersonal continuity of care and patient satisfaction. Future research in this area should address whether the same is true for all patients or only for those who seek ongoing relationships with physicians in primary care.
Keywords
Health ProfessionsEconomics, Econometrics and Finance
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