Chris Roberts has kindly prepared a summary of the research he
conducted just over a year ago on GP-UK, which I am forwarding to
the list for your interest.


Trims.


-- 
Dr Ian Trimble                      http://www.sherwood.demon.co.uk/



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Can GPs learn using the Internet? - a study of GP-UK


Dr Chris Roberts M.Med.Sci MRCGP

Background:
Internet based discussion groups such as gp-uk enable busy
professionals to communicate and share information and
resources. A number of educational bodies are recognizing
the potential for innovative technology to support learning
both in the home and the workplace. Can the academic
discussion list gp-uk provide opportunities for general
practitioners and their colleagues to identify and meet
their own learning needs?

Objectives:
To explore the use of the Internet as a source of
professional development by general practitioners and
others. 

Design
A qualitative observational study of the electronic text
generated by general practitioners and others in an
academic discussion list.
 
Setting
The electronic discussion list gp-uk in 1996 
 
Subjects
Primary Care Professionals in the United Kingdom and First
world
 
Results
General Practitioners and their colleagues have a variety
of learning requirements related to professional practice
and clinical needs. These are met by employing recognizable
educational strategies. The process of learning is typical
of adult based, reflective learning.
 
Conclusion
There are many features within gp-uk which have the
characteristics of a learning environment. An Internet
based electronic discussion group can provide the basis for
a "virtual classroom" providing General Practitioners with
opportunities for continuing development.


If you would like more information see:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/projects/wrp/index.html









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