Rural Health System Resources
BY RURAL PEOPLE FOR RURAL PEOPLE
Continuity in general practice as predictor of mortality, acute hospitalisation, and use of out-of-hours care: a registry-based observational study in Norway
Authors
Hogne Sandvik, Øystein Hetlevik, Jesper Blinkenberg and Steinar Hunskaar
Description
Continuity of care, that is the tradition of patients having an ongoing relationship with a regular GP and care team which has characterised health care for more than a century, is essential to the delivery of good health outcomes particularly in vulnerable communities. Unlike hospital care, where patient interactions with health and medical staff are based on an episode of a particular disease or injury, continuity is not limited by the type of disease and bridges episodes of various illnesses. Greater continuity with a primary care physician has been shown to be associated with lower mortality rates, fewer hospital admissions, less use of emergency departments, and fewer referrals for specialist health care.
Why is this useful for rural and remote people?
This research is important for rural and remote communities because it helps to build an understanding of the importance of continuity of care in primary care settings for the long term health of rural and remote communities. This in turn supports the case for States to fund GP/VMO services in rural and remote communities, and to reinvest in supporting rural GPs to become Visiting Medical Officers at local rural hospitals, as this will contribute to a substantial reduction in the escalating cost of hospital services for the States.
Suggested Citation
Hogne Sandvik, Øystein Hetlevik, Jesper Blinkenberg and Steinar Hunskaar, Continuity in general practice as predictor of mortality, acute hospitalisation, and use of out-of-hours care: a registry-based observational study in Norway
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