ABSTRACT

The self-directed learning group movement was led by local health professionals. Originally, this movement was for general practitioners only but multiprofessional groups arose subsequently in some areas. The leaders of self-directed learning groups were themselves very often untrained as educators. Together, the groups have developed and refined a number of tools, in order to create a safe environment for peer learning and to ensure that continuity and values are prime considerations for group members. Learning groups in primary care have been described for more than 20 years. The practical and emotional efforts of being a group leader also represent an area of vulnerability for such groups. Clearly, group leaders need support and supervision themselves. Many readers working in primary care will recognise from their own experience that learning groups have the potential for providing a peer supervision experience, by allowing peer-facilitated learning in relation to live practical issues.