Abstract
Background and objectives: Continuity of patient care is important in healthcare as it can enhance service provision and improve patient outcomes. However, there is little research into continuity of patient care in the oral health professions. This study investigated dental and oral health therapists’ perceptions of continuity of patient care and the importance they placed on it.
Methods: Fourteen therapists from the Otago/Southland region of New Zealand participated in one of three audiorecorded focus groups. Data were transcribed verbatim, then analysed using a general inductive approach.
Results: Four major themes emerged from the data: autonomy, time management, patient and parent rapport, and job satisfaction. Therapists working in the public sector, compared with those working in the private sector, experienced a lack of continuity of patient care, and this impacted on the level of autonomy they experienced. Loss of autonomy was a major issue for therapists as it led to job dissatisfaction. The lack of continuity of patient care also impacted negatively on therapists’ time management and clinical learning. Participants stated that patient rapport, trust, and compliance improved with consistent continuity of patient care, and this affected the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes for patients.
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the need to address the lack of continuity of patient care and autonomy experienced by the public sector therapists in the Otago/Southland region of New Zealand. Alternative models that promote continuity of patient care should be considered; these may have the potential to improve patient experience, as well as improve job satisfaction for dental and oral health therapists.