Delivering relational continuity of care in light of recent GP contract changes

Relational continuity of care, described as the ongoing interpersonal and therapeutic relationship built up between a patient and a specific GP over time, benefits patients, GPs, and the healthcare system.Its advantages are well-evidenced and wide reaching but pertinently, continuity of care is associated with reduced patient mortality, increased GP efficiency, and reduced healthcare system costs. 1 Box 1. A summary of the clinical interventions piloted in UK general practices to improve relational continuity of care Clinical interventionsAssigning patients to named GPs, including the use of personal lists Changing booking processes to prioritise continuity of care Offering patients with multimorbidity a comprehensive 6-monthly review with the same clinician Patient profiling to identify those that will benefit from continuity of care the most Introduction of digital technology to enhance continuity of care (for example, online consultations and digital prompts/reminders) Facilitating follow-up appointments with the same GP (for example, after acute illness or with test results) Increasing appointment capacity (for example, by extending hours or using acute hubs to free up GPs to deliver continuity)