Association between Continuity of Patient Care and resoluteness of Primary Health Care in patients with chronic diseases

Abstract

Introduction: It can be questioned whether the continuity of patient care interferes with the resoluteness of the control of chronic diseases, since this attribute is associated with the relationship between the health professional and the patient over time, as well as the need for care that chronic diseases demand. Objectives: Verification of association between the continuity of care and Primary Health Care (PHC) resoluteness. Methods: Study developed in 13 Basic Health Units. Participants were users over 17 years of age with, at least one, chronic disease. PCATool was used to measure the continuity of care and the rate of referrals to specialized service, which was used to measure resoluteness. Clinical data from hypertensive and diabetic patients were used to assess the quality of services. Results: Continuity of care presented a high score (6.74 ± 2.07). There was no statistical association between the continuity of care and referral to a specialized service nor between the clinical measures and the referral of patients. Conclusion: It is not possible to state that the continuity of care is directly associated with the resolution of PHC.