Practice-Based Small Group Learning (PBSGL) in Scotland - a survey of registered pharmacy staff and general practice nurses.

INTRODUCTION: Practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) has grown in primary healthcare in Scotland, and is used regularly by 2244 GPs and GP specialist trainees. The programme has been available to general practice nurses (GPNs) and pharmacy staff since uni-professional and inter-professional pilot studies were considered successful. Growth has been slower compared to GPs uptake but has now reached significant levels. It seemed timely to evaluate the use of the programme by these professions.

METHOD: A questionnaire previously used by GPs was adapted. It consisted of 16 questions and two free text questions asking respondents what had motivated them to join PBSGL, and what encouraged them to maintain membership. The questionnaire was converted into an electronic format and emailed to pharmacy and GPNs in Scotland who were PBSGL members.

RESULTS: A range of pharmacy staff and GPNs were involved in PBSGL and the mean number of modules studied by pharmacy staff was 3.93 and 4.48 by GPNs in the last year. A high percentage were likely or very likely to continue with membership (pharmacy staff - 95.6%, GPNs - 90.1%). The dominant reasons to join and stay in the programme related to learning issues: meeting learning needs, learning from peers and professional socialisation.