Clarifying model for continuity of care: A concept analysis.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim is to clarify the use of the term continuity in the specific context of acute care hospitalization and discharge. BACKGROUND: The meaning of "continuity" is often co-mingled with other concepts, specifically coordination and communication. To increase usefulness for contemporary concerns with the hospitalization-postdischarge continuum, continuity of care is examined from the specific context of acute hospitalization and discharge. DESIGN: Concept analysis. DATA SOURCES Medline via Ovid, Cochrane Library, Cinahl, and Google Scholar. Search years encompassed 2001-2016. REVIEW METHODS: Rodgers evolutionary concept analysis method. RESULTS: A total of 50 papers were included in this concept analysis. Synthesis of findings from these papers resulted in a model of continuity of care that illustrates the hierarchical and interdependent relationship between time and setting, patient-provider relationships, communication, and coordination in the context of discharge transitions. CONCLUSION: The continuity model provides a framework to assist in the design of multicomponent, interdisciplinary, integrated interventions that can then be tested for their effect on patient care practices and outcomes.