A contemporary ontology of continuity in general practice: Capturing its multiple essences in a digital age

Emma Ladds, Trisha Greenhalgh, Richard Byng, Sarah Rybczynska-Bunt, Asli Kalin and Sara Shaw

Social Science & Medicine, 2023, vol. 332, issue C

Abstract: Continuity is a long-established and fiercely-defended value in primary care. Traditional continuity, based on a one-to-one doctor-patient relationship, has declined in recent years. Contemporary general practice is organisationally and technically complex, with multiple staff roles and technologies supporting patient access (e.g. electronic and telephone triage) and clinical encounters (e.g. telephone, video and electronic consultations). Re-evaluation of continuity's relational, organisational, socio-technical and professional characteristics is therefore timely. We developed theory in parallel with collecting and analysing data from case studies of 11 UK general practices followed from 2021 to 2023 as they introduced (or chose not to introduce) remote and digital services. We used strategic, immersive ethnography, interviews, and material analysis of technologies (e.g. digital walk-throughs).

Keywords: Continuity; Remote; Telehealth; Primary care; General practice; Digital (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116112

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