Continuity of care involves one physician seeing a patient over many episodes of illness and during well-person visits. Family physicians are committed to providing health care to patients and their families over time.

In the continuity of care, a physician and a patient (and the family) develop a trusting and long-term relationship. This doctor-patient relationship is important in family practice and not only provides the doctor with the opportunity to understand the patient's health, but also to get to know the patient's lifestyle, work, family and environment.

Case Scenario

Jenny, is a 34-year-old woman, who is currently at 32 weeks of gestation. Dr. Fatimah is her family doctor who has been taking care of her pregnancy. Jenny has had gestational diabetes since the 24th weeks of gestation, and requires metformin and basal insulin. She has a strong family history of diabetes mellitus and had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during her first pregnancy. She has a body mass index of 25 kg/m². She is a homemaker.