title: Continuity of clinical management and information across care levels: perceptions of users of different healthcare areas in the Catalan national health system.
abstract: The integration of health care has become a priority in most health systems, as patients increasingly receive care from several professionals in various different settings and institutions, particularly those with chronic conditions and multi-morbidities. Continuity of care is defined as one patient experiencing care over time as connected and coherent with his or her health needs and personal circumstances. The objective is to analyse perceptions of continuity of clinical management and information across care levels and the factors influencing it, from the viewpoint of users of the Catalan national health system.
  
  
  
  A descriptive-interpretative qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach. A two-stage theoretical sample was selected: (i) the study contexts: healthcare areas in Catalonia with different services management models; (ii) users ≥ 18 years of age who were attended to at both care levels for the same health problem. Data were collected by means of individual semi-structured interviews with patients (n = 49). All interviews were recorded and transcribed. A thematic content analysis was conducted segmented by study area, with a mixed generation of categories and triangulation of analysts.
  
  
  
  Patients in all three areas generally perceived that continuity of clinical management across levels existed, on referring to consistent care (same diagnosis and treatment by doctors of both care levels, no incompatibilities of prescribed medications, referrals across levels when needed) and accessibility across levels (timeliness of appointments). In terms of continuity of information, patients in most areas mentioned the existence of information sharing via computer and its adequate usage. Only a few discontinuity elements were reported such as long waiting times for specific tests performed in secondary care or insufficient use of electronic medical records by locum doctors. Different factors influencing continuity were identified by patients, relating to the health system itself (clear distribution of roles between primary and secondary care), health services organizations (care coordination mechanisms, co-location, insufficient resources) and physicians (willingness to collaborate, commitment to patient care, the primary care physician's technical competence).
  
  
  
  Care continuity across care levels is experienced by patients in the areas studied, with certain exceptions that highlight where there is room for improvement. Influencing factors offer valuable insights on where to direct coordination efforts.
authors: Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Av. Tibidabo 21, 08022, Barcelona, Spain. swaibel@consorci.org.|Department for Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Av. de Can Domènech 737, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193, Spain. swaibel@consorci.org.
authors: Sina
authors: S
authors: Waibel
authors: Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Av. Tibidabo 21, 08022, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Ingrid
authors: I
authors: Vargas
authors: Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Av. Tibidabo 21, 08022, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Marta-Beatriz
authors: MB
authors: Aller
authors: Grup de Recerca en Serveis Sanitaris i Resultats en Salut, Serveis de Salut Integrats Baix Empordà, Carrer Hospital 17-19 Edifici Fleming, Palamós, 17230, Spain.
authors: Jordi
authors: J
authors: Coderch
authors: Centre Integral de Salut Cotxers, Av. de Borbó 18 - 30, Barcelona, 08016, Spain.
authors: Joan
authors: J
authors: Farré
authors: Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Av. Tibidabo 21, 08022, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: M Luisa
authors: ML
authors: Vázquez
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000592:standards; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000592:standards*; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D010821:Physicians, Family; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D063127:Secondary Health Care / Q000592:standards; D013030:Spain; D061665:Time-to-Treatment; D014850:Waiting Lists
keywords: Continuity of patient care; Health information management; Patient care management; Patient navigation; Qualitative research; Quality of health care