Relationship between continuity of care and diabetes control: evidence from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the relationship between continuity of care and diabetes control.


METHODS
We analyzed data on 1400 adults with diabetes who took part in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We examined the relationship of continuity of care with glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control.


RESULTS
Continuity of care was associated with both acceptable and optimal levels of glycemic control. Continuity was not associated with blood pressure or lipid control. There was no difference between having a usual site but no usual provider and having a usual provider in any of the investigated outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuity of care is associated with better glycemic control among people with diabetes. Our results do not support a benefit of having a usual provider above having a usual site of care.
Mainous
Arch G
AG
Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29245, USA. mainouag@musc.edu
Koopman
Richelle J
RJ
Gill
James M
JM
Baker
Richard
R
Pearson
William S
WS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015897:Comorbidity; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009309:National Center for Health Statistics, U.S.; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D008055:Lipids