Table 2.

Quality Analysis of Studies Examining Interpersonal Continuity and Care Costs

Study	Interpersonal Continuity Defined and Measured in Credible Way	Study Design Appropriate to Study Question	Cost Outcome Measured Applicable to FP Practice	Cost Measured in Appropriate Manner	Outcome Studied Applicable to FP Practices	Overall Quality of Evidence
Alpert, 196461	0.5	1	2	1.5	1.5	6.5
Alpert et al, 196822 & 197629	0	1.5	2	2	1.5	7
Heagarty et al, 197062	0	1.5	2	2	1.5	7
Becker et al, 197426,27	0.5	2	1.5	0.5	1	5.5
Hennelly & Boxerman, 197963	1*	0.5	1.5	1.5	1*	5.5
Phillips & Shear, 198434	1*	1	1	0.5	0.5	4
Wasson et al, 198433	2	2	2	2	1	9
Hjortdahl & Borchgrevink, 199164	0.5	1	1.5	1	1	5
Smith, 199541 Sweeney & Gray, 199542	0.5	0	1.5	0.5	0	2.5
Rowley et al, 199540	0	1*	1	1	0.5	3.5
Weiss & Bluestein, 199645	2	2	1.5	2	2	9.5
Cornelius, 199765	1.5	2	2	2	1.5	9
Gill & Mainous, 199847	1.5	1.5	2	1.5	1	7.5
Mainous & Gill, 199848	2	1.5	2	1.5	1	8
Raddish et al, 199966	1	1	2	1.5	1.5	7
Christakis et al, 199967	2	2	2	1.5	1.5	9
Gill et al, 200068	2	1.5	2	2	1	8.5
Meredith et al, 200169	1.5	1.5	1	0.5	0.5	5
Christakis et al, 200153	2	2	2	2	1.5	9.5

Note: Scores are the average of independent reviews by 2 authors.

FP = family physician; 2 = yes; 1 = somewhat; 0 = no.

* Cells where authors scores differed by more than 1 point requiring a repeat evaluation and discussion.