Continuity of care should be “essential requirement” in GP contract, says watchdog

The GP contract should be modified to explicitly include and support the need for GP practices to deliver continuity of care, an independent safety watchdog has recommended.

The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) said making continuity of care an “essential requirement” could reduce the risk of delays in diagnosing serious health conditions and ease pressure on GPs.

The watchdog carried out a national investigation into the matter after being notified of a patient safety incident relating to the care of Brian, a 67 year old male, for whom reduced continuity of care at his GP surgery resulted in a delayed diagnosis of secondary breast cancer. Brian died during the course of the investigation.

HSSIB visited practices and spoke with GPs, staff, and patients. Some practices voluntarily adopt approaches to …