Ten years of practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) in Scotland - a survey of general practitioners

Practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) has grown in Scotland since its pilot in 2004. There are now over 2,100 clinicians in 370 groups across the UK. The programme is used by all 14 territorial health boards in NHS Scotland. It seemed timely to undertake an evaluation of the programme.

A questionnaire was developed and piloted. It consisted of 16 questions with two free text questions asking respondents what had motivated them to join PBSGL, and what encouraged them to stay. The questionnaire was converted into an electronic format and emailed to all qualified general practitioners (GPs) in Scotland.

A wide range of GPs were involved in PBSGL and the mean number of modules studied per year was 6.8. The vast majority (589 (88.2%)) of respondents met in their own home or practice and were either very likely (549 (82.2%)) or likely (93 (13.9%)) to continue with the programme. The dominant reasons to join and stay with the programme related to learning issues: meeting learning needs, learning from peers and issues of peer support.

PBSGL has become an established continuous professional development resource for many GPs in Scotland. It is well-received and likely to continue.