Aims

 

1. To explore the evidence base to the practice of medicine in primary care.

2. To explore how this evidence base may be applied in practice.

3. To explore topics that are difficult to access through mainstream literature i.e. journals, books and databases.

4. To facilitate collaborative learning amongst GPRs with a view to developing skills that will help prepare them for the nMRCGP examination and subsequently continuing into their professional development in practice teams.

5. To facilitate identifying resources by which the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to pass the nMRCGP examination may be acquired.

 

 

 

 

Objectives

 

1. To identify important topic areas.

2. To learn how to identify relevant literature.

3. To identify the evidence base of practice.

4. To explore how this maybe applied in practice using case based discussion.

5. To explore organisational and political influences on the practice of primary care medicine.

 

 

 

Methods

 

* Pre-tutorial preparation

* Large group/small group sessions/triads

* The `snowball' technique: where sub groups of 2-4 GPRs discuss cases / issues, then exchange with progressively larger groups or the whole group.

* Trainer-led, GPR-led or trainer + GPR led

 

Group members and trainers need to take particular care to ensure all members have the opportunity to contribute. A GPR might be nominated to write up the key points from each tutorial and disseminate this to the group and the trainer taking the session. We hope the group will create a safe space in which difficult or uncomfortable issues can be discussed in confidence. It is always okay for the group to decide to change the agenda and deal with an urgent problem raised by a member.Although all these techniques will help prepare you for the nMRCGP, they are also skills for your lifelong learning, and for life in general practice.