Benefits and limitations of the transfer online of Irish College of General Practitioners continuing medical education small group learning during the COVID pandemic: a national Delphi study

Background: In Ireland and internationally, small-group learning (SGL) has been shown to be an effective way of delivering continuing medical education (CME) and changing clinical practice.

Research question: This study sought to determine the benefits and limitations, as reported by Irish GPs, of the change of CME-SGL from face-to-face to online learning during COVID.

Methods: GPs were invited to participate via email through their respective CME tutors. The first of three rounds of a survey using the Delphi method gathered demographic information and asked GPs about the benefits and/or limitations of learning online in their established small groups. Subsequent rounds obtained a consensus opinion.

Results: Eighty-eight GPs across Ireland agreed to participate. Response rates varied from 62.5% to 72% in different rounds. These GPs reported that attending their established CME-SGL groups allowed them to discuss the practical implications of applying guidelines in COVID care into practice (92.7% consensus), reviewing new local services and comparing their practice with others (94% consensus); helping them feel less isolated (98% consensus). They reported that online meetings were less social (60% consensus), and informal learning that occurs before and after meetings did not take place (70% consensus). GPs would not like online learning to replace face-to face-CME-SGL after COVID (89% consensus).

Conclusion: GPs in established CME-SGL groups benefited from online learning as they could discuss how to adapt to rapidly changing guidelines while feeling supported and less isolated. They report that face-to-face meetings offer more opportunities for informal learning.