Continuity of care, potentially inappropriate medication, and health care outcomes among the elderly: evidence from a longitudinal analysis in Taiwan.

Background: Better continuity of care (COC) is associated with improved health care outcomes, such as decreased hospitalization and emergency department visit. However, little is known about the effect of COC on potentially inappropriate medication.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between COC and the likelihood of receiving inappropriate medication, and to examine the existence of a mediating effect of inappropriate medication on the relationship between COC and health care outcomes and expenses.