The current state and value of deanery-managed continuing professional development in primary care: the general practice appraisers' perspective

In recent years, continuing professional development (CPD) in primary care has been significantly affected by organisational changes and financial threats to educational support. A study was commissioned by the United Kingdom Conference of Postgraduate Education Advisors in General Practice (UKCEA) to identify the current state and value of deanery-managed CPD across the four countries of the UK. The aims of the study's quantitative component, which this paper documents, were to collect the views of GP appraisers on the current provision of CPD, how appraisal is linked into CPD and the role of deaneries, primary care organisations (PCOs) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in that provision. A questionnaire was developed and piloted based on the outcomes of the study's qualitative component, which is reported separately, and a comprehensive literature review. The results demonstrated variability in views on the quality of CPD provision and support from deaneries, PCOs and the RCGP. Of these, the deaneries were seen to be contributing most to delivery of CPD. There was strong support for the role of IT in provision of CPD, and indications of a need for more provision of information about what CPD is available. The learning needs identified from appraisal appear to be well used in the planning of CPD. The results strongly supported the need for CPD, and also highlighted the importance of practice-based activities as a contribution to this.