Continuity
Continuity (medicine)
Continuity (pronounced: /kɒntɪˈnjuːɪti/) in the field of medicine refers to the unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over a period of time. In a medical context, it often refers to the provision of care by the same healthcare professional or team throughout a patient's illness or treatment period.
Etymology
The term "continuity" originates from the Latin word "continuitas", which means "a state of being continuous". In the medical field, it was first used in the late 19th century to describe the consistent care provided by a single healthcare professional or team.
Related Terms
- Continuity of Care: This is a key aspect of healthcare where the same healthcare professional or team provides care to a patient over a period of time. It is considered an important aspect of quality healthcare.
- Primary Care: This is the day-to-day healthcare given by a healthcare provider. It is often the first point of contact for patients and plays a key role in continuity of care.
- Patient-Centered Care: This is a healthcare approach that respects and responds to individual patient preferences, needs, and values. It ensures that patient values guide all clinical decisions, promoting continuity.
- Healthcare Professional: This is a person who provides preventive, curative, promotional, or rehabilitative health care services in a systematic way to people, families, or communities.
- Healthcare Team: This is a group of health professionals who work together to deliver comprehensive patient care. The team can include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Continuity
- Wikipedia's article - Continuity
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