Continuity of GP care for patients with dementia: impact on prescribing and the health of patients (24 January 2022)

Summary

This study in the British Journal of General Practice looked at the association between continuity of GP care and potentially inappropriate prescribing in patients with dementia, as well as the incidence of adverse health outcomes. The study authors found that for patients with dementia, consulting with the same doctor consistently, resulted in:

• 35% less risk of delirium
• 58% less risk of incontinence
• 10% less risk in emergency admission to hospital
• less inappropriate prescribing.

The results demonstrate that increasing continuity of care for patients with dementia could improve their treatment and outcomes.