CPD for GPs using the THOR-GP website

Abstract

Background An estimated 3200 UK general practitioners (GPs) practise occupational medicine on a sessional basis. AimTo assess the educational needs of GPs practising occupational medicine and participating in The Health and Occupational Reporting (THOR) network. MethodsA questionnaire survey of GPs participating in a national reporting scheme, recording occupational ill-health from general practice (THOR-GP). The questionnaire used scales derived from the syllabus for the Diploma of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine to assess the use of the THOR-GP website for continuing professional development (CPD). Questions were also asked concerning the attitudes and experience of these doctors to CPD in occupational medicine. ResultsThe response rate was 73% (213/291). Only 22% of responders used the THOR-GP website for CPD. Lack of time was the most frequently cited reason for not using the site. The topics provided on the website which were rated least interesting also appeared as requests for further information in questionnaire returns.Conclusion Online learning has the potential to fulfil the needs of GPs practising occupational medicine. The designers of material for online learning should actively manage and modify the material available in response to educational needs. Further research is required into the clinical and business outcomes of online learning for these doctors.

UK health-care professionals' experience of on-line learning techniques: A systematic review of qualitative data

“…[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] Three additional studies were identified from the references of the included papers 28-30 and 3 were located by citation searching of the included studies. [31][32][33] For full results, see the QUO-ROM flow chart~FIGURE 1!. The total number of studies included in this review therefore was 19~brief details are given in TABLE 1!.…”

“…Although many of the studies had at least 1 important methodological limitation, principally a lack of adequate details of the sample population or clear or explicit forms of data collection and analysis, half of the studies were found to be of at least good or very good reported methodological quality, providing details on at least the sample population and its recruitment, and0or the data collection and its analysis. [22][23][24][25][27][28][29]31,32 The resulting synthesis can therefore be described as sufficiently robust to sustain the subsequent interpretation and analysis.…”

“…The use of real-world case studies or scenarios, or tasks that were immediately relevant and applicable to health professionals' jobs, was well received by both nurses 16,18 and doctors. 23,30,31 In 1 study of general practitioners most interviewees mentioned that using FIGURE 1. QUOROM flow diagram.…”

Perceptions and practices of general practitioners on providing oral health care to people with diabetes - a qualitative study

“…As preferred by a majority of the GPs in our study and considering time constraints which is frequently reported for non-uptake of the free resources [41], it is recommended that the training programs should be delivered using more flexible approaches, preferably online evening sessions as a time-saving method [41] or in a blended learning mode. It is also important that oral heath training is provided at the undergraduate level to ensure new graduate GPs have the basic knowledge in this area and are comfortable in promoting oral health.…”

Continuing professional development in occupational medicine for general practitioners

“…Participating GPs are given educational information and resources, including free CPD material on occupational medicine topics via a website [2]. The uptake of the resource is low and lack of time is the most frequently cited reason for non-use [3]. Lack of time has also been given as a reason for non-use of Internet resources by primary care staff in Nottingham and Rotherham [4].…”