Continuity of Care and Intensive Care Unit Use at the End of Life

Abstract

Continuity of care is a key attribute of good medical care.¹ Provider continuity is associated with improved patient satisfaction, increased use of preventive care services, fewer emergency department visits, lower hospitalization rates, and reduced health care costs.^2-16 For patients with cancer, it is a desirable attribute of a good patient-physician relationship.¹⁷ Patients with cancer who experience outpatient provider continuity have reduced emergency department visits at the end of life and are more likely to die outside the hospital.^18,19