DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A GERIATRICS KNOWLEDGE TEST FOR PRIMARY-CARE RESIDENTS

This study reports the development and preliminary validation of an in strument 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 m edicine and family practice residents, 14 geriatrics fellows, and 11 g eriatrics faculty members participated in the study. Findings support the reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.66) and validity (content and '' known groups'') of this short test. Predictive validity and sensitivit y of the test to changes in knowledge will have to be further explored as residents progress through their training.