Get acquainted with the International Maturity Matrix (IMM) [Abstract]

Aims: The aim of this IMM/EQuiP workshop is to present the International Maturity Matrix (IMM) as a tool for formative selfassessment to facilitate GP team discussions and goal-setting about the practice’s development and organisation. We will describe the tool and the process through which it was developed and give the participants the opportunity to get acquainted with the tool through a role-play involving the participants. Methods: IMM comprises a formative evaluation instrument designed for primary care practices to self-assess their degree of organisational development in a group setting, aided by an external facilitator. It was developed in the years 2005–2007, involving GPs and others from more than 20 European countries, A feasibility study was conducted in 2008, including 12 countries and 73 practice teams. A mixed learning approach will be used incorporating a PowerPoint presentation,followed by a simulation exercise involving participants and an open floor discussion. Results: The learning objectives of the workshop are that by the end of this workshop, participants should have obtained:A general knowledge of the IMM and the way it was developed, pilot tested and the ways it can be made to use in European General Practice development.A clear view of how the IMM is being used practically in practices and the human and other resources needed to implement it in a country. Conclusion: The pilot study proved that the IMM works well, diverse teams seemed to understand the dimensions and levels, and it provoked good self-questioning and debate. Online benchmarking feature was perceived as very useful, particularly to prioritise where efforts to develop practice organisation and quality improvement should be directed. The tool is feasible for use across countries/cultures, and IMM self-assessment offers the basis for more in-depth quality improvement work by practices