Objectives: To develop a scale to assess the perceived readiness of general practitioners (GPs) to identify and respond to intimate partner abuse (IPA) and to examine its psychometric properties. Methods:A qualitative study of GPs' perceived readiness and a literature review were used to generate items for the General Practitioners' Perceived Readiness to identify and respond to Intimate Partner Abuse Scale (GRIPS). Responses of 287 Australian GPs and GP registrars were analysed to provide psychometric evaluation of the GRIPS.Results: Principal components analysis generated a three-factor scale comprising 30 items with good internal consistency, (Cronbach's alpha from 0.67 to 0.88). The three distinct and reliable subscales consisting of 7 to 13 items are: Self-Efficacy; Motivational Readiness; and Emotional Readiness. The subscales were closely correlated with relevant theoretical constructs and demonstrated a unique relationship with IPA training and clinical experience. Conclusion:The GRIPS, a new scale with face-, content-and construct-validity, as well as internal consistency reliability, was validated in the general practice context. Further validation is warranted. Implications for public health:The GRIPS is a well-defined and easily administered scale that can be used in research and training contexts to assess health practitioners' perceived self-efficacy, motivational and emotional readiness to identify and respond to IPA. This would facilitate IPA disclosure and identification.

Whether doctors are ready to identify and respond to IPA might be influenced by their emotional concerns as well as individual motivational beliefs and values, in addition to their attitudes and perceived self-efficacy, revealing a multidimensional concept. Besides enhancing doctors' preparedness by means of IPA knowledge and communication skills, training and IPA research could address further their emotional readiness and legitimize doctors' role to intervene in IPA cases.