Re-CONNECT
Re-CONNECT
About the Study
We’re exploring how some GP practices achieve high levels of continuity of care – where patients consistently see the same healthcare professionals. Starting in May 2025, this study uses in-depth observation and interviews to understand what helps make this possible. The findings will support improvements in general practice and help share what works with other practices.
Background
Continuity of care, or seeing the same GP over time, leads to better health outcomes, including lower death rates, fewer hospital admissions, safer prescribing for older patients, and more satisfied patients.
Patients can value having a regular doctor, describing the relationship as more trusting, respectful, and consistent. For practices, higher continuity can lead to greater efficiency and reduced workload, which is especially important given the pressures facing general practice today.
Despite these benefits, continuity is declining in England, particularly in more deprived or ethnically diverse areas. Challenges such as workforce shortages, the need for rapid access, and the rise of multi-disciplinary teams have made continuity harder to achieve. Despite these challenges, some practices continue to achieve high levels of continuity. Understanding how these practices maintain continuity could help other practices looking to increase their continuity of care.
Aims
This research aims to understand how long-term relationships between patients and their GPs, known as relational continuity of care, work in different general practice settings. Seeing the same doctor over time can lead to better health outcomes, and although continuity is becoming less common in the UK, some practices are still managing to maintain it.
We’re exploring:
This study uses a realist evaluation approach to find out what works, for whom, and under what conditions.
Funding
This project is funded through a Wellcome Trust Accelerator grant.