Continuity of Patient Care

Report Type
Review
Area of Focus
Continuity of care
Publication Date

Summary

The HQCA has published two reports related to continuity of care in Alberta’s health system: our original report, 2013 Continuity of Patient Care Study and a follow up review: Improving Continuity of Care: Key Opportunities and a Status Report on Recommendations from the 2013 Continuity of Patient Care Study, released in 2016.

Continuity of care is the degree to which a series of healthcare events is experienced as coherent and connected, and consistent with the patient’s medical needs and personal context. Continuity of care is important to the well-being of patients and to the effectiveness of Alberta’s healthcare system.

Latest findings

Improving Continuity of Care: Key Opportunities and a Status Report on Recommendations from the 2013 Continuity of Patient Care Study (2016)
In October 2015 Alberta’s Deputy Minister of Health, requested the HQCA to provide an assessment of progress made towards implementation of the recommendations from its 2013 report, and to provide insight into bringing the recommendations to a conclusion. This report identifies opportunities for substantial improvement in continuity of care for the greatest number of patients, arising from what was learned about stakeholders’ experiences with the original recommendations.
download (PDF 1881K)

Previous years' findings

2013
Continuity of Patient Care Study (2013)
By examining the continuity of care through the lens of a single patient’s journey, this report shines a light on opportunities to improve Albertans’ experiences when receiving specialized healthcare services. The report includes the HQCA’s findings and recommendations.
download (PDF 3565K)

Related resources

Continuity of care
Relationship, Information, and Management Continuity
Study