Effects of Having Usual Source of Care on Preventive Services and Chronic Disease Control: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundHaving usual source of care has been associated with improved receipt of preventive services and control of chronic diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia). The objective of this study was to examine whether having usual source of care is associated with improved receipt of preventive services and control of chronic diseases.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, KMbase, KoreaMed, RiSS4U, National Assembly Library, and KISS for studies released through May 31st 2011. Two authors independently extracted the data. We manually searched the references and twenty recent related articles on PubMed. To assess the risk of bias RoBANS tool was used.ResultsWe identified 10 studies. Most having usual source of care were associated with improved receipt of preventive services (cervical cancer screening, clinical breast exam, mammogram, prostate cancer screening, and flu shot) compared with no usual source of care. However, gastric cancer and colon cancer screening were difficult to conclude and blood pressure checkup showed mixed results. Overall there was no association between having usual source of care and smoking behaviors and the effect on chronic disease control was difficult to conclude.ConclusionHaving usual source of care was associated with improved receipt of preventive services and overall the results were consistent. So, the results suggested that having usual source of care may help to receive preventive services. Hereafter, cohort studies are needed to evaluate casual relationships and more studies are needed in various countries and systems.

The Influence of Health Systems on Hypertension Awareness, Treatment, and Control: A Systematic Literature Review

“…This finding is consistent with a recent systematic review of the effect of a usual source of care, showing an association with improved preventive services and chronic disease control [79]. Although it is unclear whether having a routine physician or a place for HT care is more important, this may matter less than the implication that the absence of a consistent source of care reduces awareness, treatment, and control of HT.…”

Healthcare access among circular and undocumented Mexican migrants: results from a pilot survey on the Mexico-US border

“…Availability of a usual source of care is one of the most frequently used indicators of access to health care 47 and has been linked to the likelihood of receiving preventive services and long-term health outcomes, including better control of chronic conditions. 48 In our sample, only 38% of migrants reported having had a usual source of care in the U.S., compared to 70% of all Latino immigrants 23 and estimates 46%–68% among Mexican migrants in California. 26 Only 29% of migrants in our sample had health insurance coverage in the U.S. compared to 80% among adults in the U.S. in 2011.…”

Association of the Length of Doctor-Patient Relationship with Primary Care Quality in Seven Family Practices in Korea

“…There is intense competition between hospitals, which run large outpatient centers, and physician clinics, some of which have inpatient care (4). Under this laissez-faire system, even with the NHI, it may be natural that the Korean people who have a USC comprise only 30% of the adult population (39), contrasted with other OECD countries over 80% (40). Patients are free to consult any provider at any time without proof of medical necessity and with reimbursement by the NHI.…”