1. PBSGL in Scotland
Ronald MacVicar 1

2. PBSGL Canadian approach to CPD
Evolved from a single group of GPs at McMaster University in the late ’80s
Now involves over 6000 practitioners in Canada (25%)
Foundation for Medical Practice Education (FMPE)
Used extensively in North America as part of “residency training”
International collaborations, including with Scotland

3. PBSGL in Scotland Piloted in Scotland 2003/04 (5 groups)
Rolled out in Scotland from Aug 2006 and research into multi-professional and nurse-only groups
Now involves over 1550 GPs in >200 groups in Scotland (>33%) & growing rapidly
Includes a small number of Practice Nurses (PNs). Piloting in other professions, notably pharmacy
Multi-professional groups
Rapid growth within GPST from Autumn 2009

4. Aye, but what is PBSGL? Peer –facilitated
Practice based (i.e. based in clinical practice)
Small group (usually 4-9)
Learning

5. and… Topic-specific modules
Canadian modules -> ‘tartanisation’ -> single guideline modules (SIGN/ NICE) -> de-novo UK modules.
12-14 per annum
Gaps
Between current and best (or better) practice
Problems
Stimulus to bring ‘real’ cases
Evidence
Distillation of best available evidence for primary care practice
Barriers
And how to overcome them
Leading to Commitment to change

6. PBSGL: Challenges & Opportunities
PBSGL as part of a NES GP/ primary care strategy based on
a move from a deanery focus to a national focus including sharing resource, financial risk, and expertise in order to provide a sustainable, robust and secure CPD service to primary care practitioners in Scotland
a presumption for a multi-professional/ primary care focus
better coordination and access irrespective of geography
a single approach to the administration of GP/ primary care CPD
CPD portal and Knowledge Services support
a national GP/ Primary Care CPD management structure