How Does Continuity of Care Affect Hospital Admission Rates for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions?

​Researchers at the Health Foundation of London found that higher continuity of care was associated with fewer hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions, and when modeled, that even modest increases in continuity for all patients can reduce admissions by more than 6%, according to a study published in the BMJ's February 2017 issue. The study used the provider of care index, which was defined as "the proportion of contacts occurring between April 2011 and March 2013 that were with the most frequently seen general practitioner." The study found that practices with more physicians had lower provider of care index scores, indicating less continuity of care, while practices with fewer physicians had higher provider of care index scores, indicating greater continuity of care.