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Development and validation of a geriatrics knowledge test for primary care residents

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Abstract

This study reports the development and preliminary validation of an instrument to measure geriatrics knowledge of primary care residents. A 23-item test was developed using questions selected from the American Geriatrics Society's Geriatrics Review Syllabus. Ninety-six internal medicine and family practice residents, 14 geriatrics fellows, and 11 geriatrics faculty members participated in the study. Findings support the reliability (Cronbach's α=0.66) and validity (content and “known groups”) of this short test. Predictive validity and sensitivity of the test to changes in knowledge will have to be further explored as residents progress through their training.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine-Geriatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, University of California, 10945 Le Conte Ave., Suite 2339, 90095-1687, Los Angeles, CA

    David B. Reuben MD, Ming Lee PhD, James W. Davis MD, Michelle S. Eslami MD, Daniel G. Osterweil MD & Nancy T. Weintraub MD

  2. Adults Primary Care, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

    Susan Melchiore MD

Authors
  1. David B. Reuben MD
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  2. Ming Lee PhD
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  3. James W. Davis MD
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  4. Michelle S. Eslami MD
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  5. Daniel G. Osterweil MD
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  6. Susan Melchiore MD
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  7. Nancy T. Weintraub MD
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Additional information

Supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers-West Los Angeles and Sepulveda, Calif.

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Reuben, D.B., Lee, M., Davis, J.W. et al. Development and validation of a geriatrics knowledge test for primary care residents. J GEN INTERN MED 12, 450–452 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.1997.00078.x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.1997.00078.x

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