Test result audit and feedback (TRAFk) as a supervision method for rational test ordering in general practice training.

BACKGROUND: The use of medical investigations is increasing, with most testing occurring in primary care. The interpretation of test results is challenging for general practice registrars. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that over-testing is a significant problem and has the potential for patient harm. Test result audit and feedback (TRAFk) is a teaching and supervision method in general practice training, but no previous studies have investigated its utility.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to describe the outcomes of an educational intervention for general practice supervisors on TRAFk.

METHODS: We developed and delivered a workshop to general practice supervisors and administered pre- and post-workshop surveys.

RESULTS: Of the 54 supervisors who participated in the study, a substantial proportion (79.6%) used TRAFk after the workshop. Participants highly rated the method across a range of supervision areas, including clinical reasoning, test ordering quality and patient safety.

DISCUSSION: Our findings reinforce the educational utility of this supervision method in general practice training for the teaching and assessment of registrars.