What does "continuity of care" refer to in the context of patient rights?

Continuity of care refers to the consistent and coordinated approach to healthcare services that ensures patients receive comprehensive and uninterrupted care over time. This concept is fundamental to patient rights as it emphasizes the importance of having a seamless experience in the healthcare system, which can significantly impact treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

When patients experience continuity of care, they benefit from effective communication between different healthcare providers, follow-up on treatment plans, and an ongoing relationship with their primary care doctors. This consistency allows for better management of chronic diseases, smoother transitions between different levels of care, and overall improved health outcomes.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the essence of continuity of care. The ability to change doctors at any time does not inherently guarantee consistent care. Limited access to specialists and single-location treatment may actually hinder continuity rather than promote it, as they can disrupt the flow of information and the patient's ongoing treatment journey. Thus, the emphasis on receiving consistent healthcare services aligns perfectly with the definition of continuity of care.