GP continuity: The keystone of general practice

Continuity of care has long been recognised as a core feature of general practice. Relational continuity is associated with multiple, overlapping benefits for patients, doctors and society. Continuity increases trust, patient satisfaction and adherence to advice, while reducing hospital use and deaths. Repeated consultations are needed with a patient for a GP to acquire enough ‘accumulated knowledge’ to develop a sense of continuing responsibility. This fosters GP sensitivity and mutual understanding, which enable GPs to provide ‘higher-level’ quality of care. However, the level of continuity is reducing in UK general practice. This article provides the context of international research on continuity of care and describes ways to improve continuity.