%0 Journal Article %T Maximising harm reduction in early specialty training for general practice: validation of a safety checklist %A Paul Bowie %A John McKay %A Moya Kelly %J BMC Family Practice %D 2012 %I BioMed Central %R 10.1186/1471-2296-13-62 %X We used mixed methods with different groups of GP educators (n£¿=£¿127) and specialty trainees (n£¿=£¿9) in two Scottish regions to prioritise, develop and validate checklist content. Generation and refinement of checklist themes and items were undertaken on an iterative basis using a range of methods including small group work in dedicated workshops; a modified-Delphi process; and telephone interviews. The relevance of potential checklist items was rated using a 4-point scale content validity index to inform final inclusion.14 themes (e.g. prescribing safely; dealing with medical emergency; implications of poor record keeping; and effective & safe communication) and 47 related items (e.g. how to safety-net face-to-face or over the telephone; knowledge of practice systems for results handling; recognition of harm in children) were judged to be essential safety-critical educational issues to be covered. The mean content validity index ratio was 0.98.A checklist was developed and validated for educational supervisors to assist in the reliable delivery of safety-critical educational issues in the opening 12-week period of training, and aligned with national curriculum competencies. The tool can also be adapted for use as a self-assessment instrument by trainees to guide patient safety-related learning needs. Dissemination and implementation of the checklist and self-rating scale are proceeding on a national, voluntary basis with plans to evaluate its feasibility and educational impact. %U http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/13/62/abstract