Accreditation practice pointer: providing continuity of care

GP2.1 B Our health service provides continuity of care.

RACGP Standards for general practice, 5th Edition.

Continuity of care occurs when a patient is treated consistently and effectively over a period of time. The health system benefits from continuity of care because it reduces healthcare costs and improves patient outcomes. General practice provides continuity of care when:

  • the flow of information is seamless, ie documentation, handovers, reviews of notes

  • team care is managed consistently by the patient’s clinicians

  • patients see the same GP.

To meet the Criterion, practices must:

  • demonstrate that the practice provides continuity of care

  • use a clinical handover system when clinicians are away

  • have a process for recall.

Practices can also encourage continuity of care by:

  • documenting management plans in patient health records, especially for patients with complex or chronic health problems

  • maintaining a policy and procedure for follow-up systems

  • generating reports from practice data that demonstrate continuity of care.

Margot Schoonmaker