Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
This is a qualitative study investigating dental and oral health therapists’ perceptions of continuity of patient care. Currently, there is little research exploring the impact of continuity of patient care, and what value New Zealand therapists place on it.
Methods
Data were collected using focus group discussions. Data were analysed using a general inductive approach.
Results
Through the therapists’ descriptions of their experiences of continuity of patient care, four themes emerged: (i) autonomy, (ii) time management, (iii) patient and parent rapport, and (iv) job satisfaction.
All therapists in this study described continuity of patient care as the process of a practitioner following the same patient from the beginning of treatment until completion, and ideally overseeing any future preventative reviews put in place by that practitioner. All therapists who participated in this study saw continuity of patient care as a highly important aspect of their practice and they viewed autonomy in their practice as the most important aspect of continuity of patient care. Patient trust and time management were intertwined with job satisfaction. However, a compelling finding that emerged from this study was that many therapists faced difficult and challenging situations due to a lack of continuity of patient care in their practice. This was more evident with therapists who worked in urban areas of the public sector, compared to therapists employed in the private sector.
Conclusion
Clinical experiences were enhanced for both the therapist and the patient when continuity of patient care was observed, and continuity of patient care increased learning opportunities and improved professional development for therapists. Results highlight the lack of continuity of patient care that therapists experience. Increasing the level of continuity of patient care for therapists, particularly for urban therapists in the public sector, would be beneficial. Strategies to implement more continuity of patient care will likely enhance the level of autonomy and job satisfaction for therapists in New Zealand.