Development and pilot study of the Primary Care Practice Improvement Tool (PC-PIT): an innovative approach.

OBJECTIVE To assess the usability and validity of the Primary Care Practice Improvement Tool (PC-PIT), a practice performance improvement tool based on 13 key elements identified by a systematic review. It was co-created with a range of partners and designed specifically for primary health care. DESIGN This pilot study examined the PC-PIT using a formative assessment framework and mixed-methods research design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Six high-functioning general practices in Queensland, Australia, between February and July 2013. A total of 28 staff participated - 10 general practitioners, six practice or community nurses, 12 administrators (four practice managers; one business manager and eight reception or general administrative staff). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Readability, content validity and staff perceptions of the PC-PIT. RESULTS The PC-PIT offers an appropriate and acceptable approach to internal quality improvement in general practice. Quantitative assessment scores and qualitative data from all staff identified two areas in which the PC-PIT required modification: a reduction in the indicative reading age, and simplification of governance-related terms and concepts. CONCLUSION The PC-PIT provides an innovative approach to address the complexity of organisational improvement in general practice and primary health care. This initial validation will be used to develop a suite of supporting, high-quality and free-to-access resources to enhance the use of the PC-PIT in general practice. Based on these findings, a national trial is now underway.