CONTINUITY OF CARE - UNIVERSITY-OF-IOWA CLEFT LIP PALATE INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM/

Introduction: Patient satisfaction with the continuity of care is an i mportant aspect of care delivery that may be evaluated to assess team effectiveness. This study was conducted to evaluate the number of pati ents seen by each team member, and the patients' perceived importance of continued care by the same health care provider during their overal l treatment. Methods: A survey was constructed by the members of the C left Lip/Palate Team at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. One hundred and thirty-eight subjects were invited to participate duri ng consecutive clinic days over a 5-month period; 101 subjects (73.1%) responded, Results: The survey revealed that the percentage of patien ts seen by each member of the team ranged from 92.1% (93/101) for the surgeon to 24.8% (25/101) for the genetic counselor, Strong agreement with continuity of care by health professionals ranged from 85.6% (83/ 97) for the surgeon, 63.7% (58/91) for the orthodontist, 63% (17/27) f or the psychologist, to 23.1% (19/82) for the audiologist, The percent ages dropped somewhat if the patients thought that they may have to wa it longer for their next appointment. Conclusion: There is a strong pr eference for continuity of health care.