The Practice-based Small Group Learning programme: experiences of learners in multi-professional groups

This study describes the experiences of General Practitioners (GPs) and Practice Nurses (PNs) as they came together and engaged in the Practice-based Small Group Learning (PBSGL) programme. Based on principles of adult and small group learning, PBSGL, which was developed in Canada, was used for the first time for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of multi-professional groups in the UK. The findings detail the main reasons GPs and PNs participated in PBSGL, the nature of interaction and development of cohesion in the groups, factors influencing contribution to discussions, the learning process, and outcomes for learners. Respect shown for different roles and perspectives enabled participants to be open about gaps in their knowledge and to ask questions. A mutual keenness to understand the perspectives of and learn from the other profession emerges as a key ingredient for learners to feel that their learning needs were met. The learning process in the groups came close to transformative learning--there were changes in perspectives, acquisition of new knowledge and increased self-esteem. The appropriateness of the PBSGL approach for the CPD of mixed groups of GPs and PNs is discussed.