Which professional role is primarily responsible for continuity of patient care?

The registered nurse is primarily responsible for continuity of patient care due to their pivotal role in managing and coordinating health services for patients. Nurses serve as the primary point of contact for patients during their healthcare journey, ensuring that care remains consistent across various settings, whether in hospitals, clinics, or at home.

Registered nurses are trained to monitor patients' health, administer medications, and communicate changes in a patient's condition to the healthcare team. Their extensive knowledge about patient history, treatment plans, and current needs allows them to advocate for patients, providing education, emotional support, and guidance, while also facilitating smooth transitions between different levels of care or service providers.

While other roles, such as physical therapists or social workers, contribute to different aspects of a patient's care, they do not typically oversee the totality of a patient’s healthcare journey in the same direct manner as registered nurses. Medical researchers focus on advancing medical knowledge and practice rather than direct patient care. Therefore, the registered nurse's comprehensive approach to patient care makes them integral to ensuring continuity throughout a patient's treatment.