Using the Alberta Continuity of Services Observer-Rated Scale to Measure Continuity of Care in a Psychiatric Population.
OBJECTIVE
Continuity of care (CoC) is an important component in the delivery of quality mental health care. Yet, its measurement is inconsistent. We explored the use of the Alberta Continuity of Services Scale for Mental Health (ACSS-MH) observer-rated scale and compared CoC scores in 2 groups (N = 140) of individuals with mental health complaints (5+ and 1 emergency department [ED] visits/year).


METHODS
Secondary analysis of health record data.


RESULTS
The application of the ACSS-MH observer-rated scale in our population is discussed, as well as differences in CoC scores by group.


CONCLUSIONS
The ACSS-MH observer-rated scale may be useful for obtaining CoC scores in several mental health populations. Minor modifications (e.g., to response options) are suggested that may improve scoring accuracy. Research is needed to further explore the relationship between CoC and ED use.
University of Ottawa, Canada.
Amanda Digel
AD
Vandyk
Elizabeth G
EG
VanDenkerkhof
Ian D
ID
Graham
Margaret B
MB
Harrison
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult