Provider characteristics that promote interpersonal continuity in clinical practice: an OHSU family medicine analysis of the effects of various provider practice parameters on the Usual Provider Continuity Index (UPC)

Interpersonal continuity in primary care improves patient outcomes, yet factors influencing it are unclear. This study examined provider practice characteristics associated with continuity using the Usual Provider Continuity Index (UPC). A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design analyzed data from 63 providers across four academic family medicine clinics (July 2009–June 2010). Five parameters—clinic frequency, panel size, patient load, attendance ratio, and duration in practice—were tested via linear regression, with covariates including clinic, care team, gender, and provider type. Qualitative focus groups validated findings. Results identify key practice features impacting continuity, informing strategies to strengthen patient-provider relationships.