The relationship between continuity and patient satisfaction: a systematic review

Objective. To assess the current evidence on the relationship between continuity and patient satisfaction. Methods. Systematic review of studies of adults in general, family, or internal medicine practices with ongoing, direct, face-to-face contact with their physician. Measures of the relationship between continuity and patient satisfaction were examined. Results. A MEDLINE search covering 1984-2007 and a Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature search covering 1981-2007 identified 263 relevant studies and 12 studies met inclusion criteria. There were 12 different continuity measures and 9 different satisfaction measures. Conclusions. Continuity has a variable effect on patient satisfaction.