PBSGL (Practice Based Small Group Learning)

 

Latest news ....

Two modules based on the Hot Topics course have been added to our list of published modules, and another will follow later in 2012. This popular course looks at clinical areas relevant to primary care, and assembles short summaries of the evidence to sort these issues.

These modules are quite different from others we have produced, as there may be four or even five very short cases with short info sections on each. They are a bit like a GP surgery, as each case covers a different topic. Feedback on this initiative would be welcomed.

Another recent module to be added to our list is about Stress and Resilience. It was on the table of modules from 2005 onwards, and was due to be removed in 2010 (all modules are removed after 5 years). However the module was popular, and addresses an important problem, so it was tartanised in 2011 and now reappears in a new format.

The March 2012 newsletter can be read here

 

What is PBSGL?

PBSGL originated in 1986 in the Foundation for Medical Practice Education (FMPE), based at the McMaster University in Canada.  FMPE is a non-profit organisation, dedicated to the development, production and evaluation of educational programmes for Practitioners.  Across the world there are now over 5000 GP and PN members that enjoy being involved in PBSGL groups, as a way of maintaining their CPD and closing the gap between current practice and "best practice".

A NES supported project commenced in 2006, has rolled out PBSGL across Scotland for General Practitioners and Practice Nurses.  The project offers an opportunity to get together in small groups with GPs / PN from other practices (or within your own practice), at a time that suits you, for high quality education.  You can maintain and enhance professional knowledge and competence, and use educational approaches and material, that are learner-centred and practice based.  It is an enjoyable, relaxed and effective way to learn.

Each PBSGL group consists of 5-12 GPs (or a mixture of GPs and nurses) that meet on a regular basis.  Groups discuss real patient problems, and the evidence to solve these cases.  The problems, the evidence, patient leaflets and websites are all combined in specially-prepared "modules" - which are available to all groups.

There is an enormous choice of modules that groups can study, and groups can cover as many as they like.  The only restriction would be time - groups often meet every 6-8 weeks, though the exact arrangement is up to the individual group.  Some groups meet by webcam or video conference - this is particularly popular in remote / rural areas.

The modules cover a broad range of common conditions.  There is a sample module for you to view below.  The Scottish project modifies the modules to remove any "Canadianisms" - and this process is referred to as Tartanising.   Tartanised modules appear with 'T' on the list of modules.  New modules are produced at a rate of 12-14 per year, and are tartanised before being added to our library. We also produce modules from SIGN and NICE guidelines, and de novo UK modules, and these are proving very popular with groups.

There is a full list of modules for you to see by following this link ... Topic List.

Training and support is provided for a facilitator for each group.  If you want to find out about the PBSGL Facilitator Training please contact us. If you want to find out about the next training day then go to this link ... Facilitator Training

If you have any queries, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section below.  We have plans to develop the project,  by

  • continuing to develop our own UK-based educational materials,
  • involving other health practitioners,
  • saupporting the spread of PBSGL to the rest of the UK, and
  • actively researching the process of PBSGL.


For more information on the project, to express an interest in your group utilising PBSGL, or to join a group - please contact the project coordinator: PBSGLAdministrator@nes.scot.nhs.uk

 

Sample of module based on SIGN - Sore Throat

Sample of tartanised module - Insomnia

Frequently Asked Questions

Request to join a group form

New Member Registration Form

Log Sheet - new style logsheet 2011

GP Scot Form

Attendance Record

If you would like to join a group, or have other queries, please contact the administrator on PBSGLadministrator@nes.scot.nhs.uk.

This is preferable to using the traditional "contact us" button which is on the bottom of every website - that seems to take you to some part of NES where they bury unwanted messages! We are exploring the method of putting a map on this website, which would include the locations and contact details of existing groups, to assist this process.