Training general practice/family medicine residents on quality of care improvement and patient safety: a scoping review.

Abstract

Background: Training General Practice/Family Medicine (GP/FM) residents on quality of care (QoC) improvement and patient safety (PS) is expected to significantly contribute to the enhancement of their clinical skills and the promotion of a safety culture in primary care. Despite international initiatives, such as the World Health Organization's Global Patient Safety Action Plan, quality and safety training remains insufficient in many countries.

Aim: This scoping review aimed to identify training programs for GP/FM residents focusing on QoC and/or PS.

Methods: We searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane) for English-language studies outlining relevant training programs that target GP/FM residents. Two independent researchers conducted data screening and extraction.

Results: Out of the 1624 articles retrieved, 21 met the inclusion criteria. Most programs originated from the US (n = 17, 80.9%). Among identified curricula, 11 (52.4%) addressed QoC, 7 (33.3%) PS, whilst 3 (14.3%) both QoC/PS. Content heterogeneity was noted, while the majority included core QoC/PS concepts and quality improvement tools. A combination of educational methods was utilised, including didactic lectures, online modules and interactive approaches like simulations, role-playing and group assignments. Program duration varied widely from one month (n = 7, 33.3%) to three years (n = 7, 33.3%). Eight (38.1%) programs incorporated pre- and post-training assessment.

Conclusions: Findings indicate the limited QoC/PS training opportunities for GP/FM residents and a marked heterogeneity in identified curricula. Aligning with international recommendations and best practices, the development of effective QoC/PS training programs for future GPs is of utmost importance to safeguard, invigorate and advance primary care services of quality and safety.