How does continuity of care affect quality of care in primary healthcare?

Continuity of care is generally considered beneficial in primary healthcare, and in this paper the evidence for such assumptions is examined. Studies and reviews showed that continuity of care is able to decrease unnecessary hospitalisation, length of hospital stay and attendance at Accident and Emergency departments, as well as improve patient and doctor experience. It has also been found that the continuity of care provided to patients varies greatly depending on patient demographic, GP surgery policy and size. As the evidence suggests that continuity of care has such great health benefits for the patient, addressing the deficit in continuity that some patients receive would be an effective way to improve quality of care.