ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a new approach to continuing professional development (CPD), which includes assessment of learning needs, planned learning activity and evaluation. CPD produces its beneficial effects by meeting ‘growth needs – knowledge needs’ and ‘self-actualisation needs’. ‘Growth needs’ only become motivators when ‘deficiency needs’ have been met. The new CPD consists of a process which goes beyond simple participation in a learning activity. The process should improve patient care, enhance professionalism and motivate practitioners. The organisational structure of general practice has also undergone radical change. In the early years of the National Health Service, general practitioners worked – often single-handed and with minimal receptionist support – from premises which were poorly equipped and lacking essential facilities. The success of chronic disease management programmes and drug-monitoring programmes attests to this capacity for change in general practice.
