What happens in a PBSGL meeting?

To form a PBSGL group, GPs (and some Practice Nurses) organise themselves into learning groups of five to nine people.  Members can be all from one GP practice or from several practices - the latter option being more popular. Groups meet in their local communities at times, places and frequencies of their own choosing.  Each group chooses one of its members to act as a facilitator.  This facilitator requires specific training, which is not difficult, but does make the process run more smoothly.

The groups study specially-designed educational modules which are provided to all group facilitators on a password-protected part of our website.  About half of these are produced by the Canadian team, and the newer ones are developed in the UK by UK GPs.  The group selects which of them they will discuss and in what order.  There are two sample modules below.

The group discusses the modules in an open (but facilitated) discussion.  In trying to answer the problems, the group members refer to their own experience, and the information section of the module.  The information section is not a thorough review; rather it represents best available evidence relevant to the problems detailed in the case histories.  Emphasis is placed on issues that are of particular relevance to Primary Care.

On completion of a module, the group is required to undertake an evaluation and complete an on-line log sheet.  The purpose of this is not only as an element in the continuous quality improvement of module production, but (more importantly) to assess group members' commitment to change.  Copies of the log sheet response can be used by group members to support the appraisal process.

Please visit our Modules page to see examples of the modules.