Table 4: Characteristics of Studies Assessing Continuity of Care in Patients With Any Condition.

Study	Type of Study	Research Question	Population	N	Continuity With Whom/What	Primary Outcomes
Cheng et al, 2011 (11) (Taiwan)	Cross-sectional database study	Does continuity of care matter in a health care system that lacks referral arrangements?	Patients with more than 4 physician visits within 1 year	134,422	Measurement of continuity with the same physician provider	Hospitalization and ED visits
Cheng et al, 2010 (10) (Taiwan)	Longitudinal database study	What is the effect of continuity of care on avoidable hospitalization and hospital admission for any condition in a health care system with a high level of access to care?	3 or more physician visits per year	30,830	Measurement of continuity with the same physician provider	Avoidable hospitalization and hospitalization for any condition
Ionescu-Ittuet al, 2007(12) (Canada)	Cross-sectional database study	Is continuity of primary care associated with ED visits in elderly people in both urban and rural areas?	Adults ≥ 65 years with 3 or more physician visits over 2 year period	95,173	Measurement of continuity with the same physician provider	ED visits
Menec et al, 2006 (13) (Canada)	Retrospective analysis of survey data	Does continuity of care with a family physician reduce hospitalizations among older adults?	Adults ≥ 67 years with 4 or more physician visits in 2 year period	1,863	Measurement of continuity with the same physician provider	Hospitalization
Menec et al, 2005 (14) (Canada)	Cross-sectional database study	Does continuity of care matter in a universally insured population?	All individuals who had at least 1 physician contact in 2 year period	536,893	Measurement of continuity with the same physician provider	ED visits and preventive care (pap smears, mammograms, flu shots)

Abbreviations: ED, emergency department; N, number of patients.