Objectives

The 2 key objectives are (i) the development of a validated tool for use in improving quality, sustainability and integration of primary health care (Phase 1) and (ii) the trial and validation of the tool in Australian primary health care settings (Phase 2).

Methods

Phase 1: A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify (i) existing tools used in primary health care settings and (ii) the most common elements or domains related to practice performance. Following this, an existing quality improvement tool was trialled in a high functioning general practice to identify gaps and issues with its use.

Results were used to develop the Primary Care Practice Improvement Tool (PC-PIT). This online tool takes a whole of practice approach and covers 13 key elements. It recognises the role of Practice Managers as potential leaders in improving practice performance.

Phase 2: A pilot of the new tool was undertaken with 6 general practices to assess content and process validity. Final adjustments were made and an expression of interest in a national trial was circulated. Over 80 practices nationwide registered their interest in trialling the tool which is presently underway.

Conclusions

There are presently no standardised approaches to improve general practice performance. The majority of existing tools are single-strategy or have been designed for tertiary care settings. The PC-PIT is designed by primary health care for primary health care.

Implications

The PC-PIT will be a potentially fast, simple and effective approach to facilitate quality improvement. It was presented at a quality improvement conference in Sweden where international interest was shown in its development and implementation.