J Korean Acad Nurs.  2020 Aug;50(4):513-522. 10.4040/jkan.20079.

Continuity of Care in Chronic Diseases: A Concept Analysis by Literature Review

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
  • 2Department of Nursing, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to utilize concept analysis to obtain a better understanding of the concept of “continuity of care” in chronic diseases.
Methods
The concept of continuity of care was analyzed using the Walker and Avant method. Covering literature in English from 1930 to 2018, the data sources included CINAHL Complete, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, PsyARTICLES, Health Source: Nursing/ Academic Edition, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library.
Results
A comprehensive definition of concept of continuity of care was developed based on a systematic search and synthesis. The key defining attributes were identified as (a) care over time, (b) the relationship between an individual patient and a care team, (c) information transfer, (d) coordination, and (e) meeting changing needs. The antecedents of continuity of care were having a chronic disease, inexperienced with disease management, a poorly coordinated healthcare system, and medical care limitations. The consequences of continuity of care were decreasing hospital admissions, reducing costs, reducing emergency room visits, improving the quality of life, improving patient satisfaction, and delivering good healthcare.
Conclusion
The thorough concept analysis provides insight into the nature of “continuity of care” in chronic diseases and also helps ground the concept in healthcare.

Keyword

Continuity of Care; Chronic Diseases; Chronic Diseases
Full Text Links
  • JKAN
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr