https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5553-3275
Abstract
Background
Continuity of care is one of the main principles of family medicine, described as a relationship with a single provider that extends beyond a single illness episode. This retrospective study, conducted at King Saud University Family Medicine Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed to investigate the impact of having a regular primary care provider on clinical outcomes and preventive service delivery for patients with diabetes and/or hypertension.
Methods
The study, spanning 2017 to 2019, included 400 patients diagnosed with diabetes and/or hypertension for at least six months before the 6-month pre-attachment period to regular family medicine physicians in 2018. Data before and after attachment for at least six months were compared using electronic health records.
Results
The mean age of the patients was 60.9, with a predominant female representation (66.8%) and 90.7% Saudis. Results indicated a significant improvement in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (p = 0.005) and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.014) post-attachment. Preventive service delivery saw notable enhancements, with increased colon cancer screening (p = 0.03), breast cancer screening (p < 0.001), and retinal screening (p < 0.001) post-attachment.
Conclusion
This study’s findings underscore the importance of continuity of care in chronic disease management and provide valuable and promising insights into the Saudi healthcare context, aligning with the Saudi Ministry of Health’s vision for universal access to regular primary care providers.
Abbreviations
KSU, King Saud University; UFMC, University Family Medicine Center.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the College of Medicine Research Center, Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for their support.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.