How this fits in

It is already known that relational continuity of care (seeing the same GP over time) is valued by patients with long-term conditions. This qualitative study identifies that patients believe that relational continuity facilitates having a GP who knows their history, gives consistent advice, takes responsibility and action, and trusts and respects them. The first three of these attributes are difficult to achieve in the absence of continuity. Patients’ perception of GP trust and respect in them appears to be facilitated by relational continuity, but can also be achieved without continuity. This concept of trust and respect involves patients being believed, taken seriously, and respected as experts in their own health and body. Because patients often feel mistrusted and taken less seriously by GPs who do not know them, GPs should particularly seek to visibly demonstrate these aspects of trust and respect to their patients, especially when they do not have relational continuity.