Continuity of care is key to good healthcare, yet it is often overlooked. As healthcare budgets tighten—especially in England’s NHS—new research shows that seeing the same doctor regularly benefits both patients and the healthcare system. It improves health, reduces hospital visits, and eases the workload of doctors.
A study from the University of Cambridge found that patients who see the same doctor need fewer appointments. Those with consistent care have an 18% longer gap between visits. The effect is stronger for older patients, those with mental health issues, and those with chronic conditions.
Reducing demand
If all practices matched the top 10% in providing continuity of care, consultation demand in the study sample could have dropped by 5.2%. Another study found that continuity also reduces emergency visits. Doctors who know their patients well can assess risk better, solve more problems in one visit, and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
The study used data from 222 GP practices in England. It classified visits into three groups: a patient’s regular GP, another GP in the same practice, and a locum doctor. Patients who saw their usual GP had an average gap of 61 days between visits, compared to 56 days for those who saw different doctors. This suggests one unnecessary appointment could be avoided for every ten visits. The study also found that patients seeing their regular GP were 22% less likely to visit A&E compared to those seeing a different GP, and 30% less likely compared to those seeing a locum.
With GP appointments scarce and emergency departments overwhelmed, the findings suggest that improving access to regular GPs could ease pressure on the healthcare system and improve care.
Not always the best
But continuity is not always best. A second opinion can be crucial. A study using US medical data looked at opioid prescriptions and addiction. Patients whose follow-up visit was with a different doctor—one who did not prescribe the opioid—were much less likely to become long-term users. This fresh perspective reduced overuse by 31% within a year.
In hospitals, continuity can also have downsides. ICU nurses often work long consecutive shifts, meaning patients see the same staff more frequently. But research shows that care quality drops when nurses work too many days in a row, especially when treating patients with less complex conditions. Longer shifts, especially during staff shortages, increase fatigue and harm performance.
The study suggests hospitals should track how many consecutive days teams work and consider limits for ICU nurses.
Continuity of care is powerful when used wisely. It improves efficiency, health, and hospital capacity. But in some cases, a fresh perspective or limits on consecutive shifts are just as important. Policymakers should aim for a balance—maximizing continuity where it helps, while knowing when a change is needed.
