Learning to train: developing the framework for a Scottish national general practice trainers' course

This paper describes the development of aScottish national course to train generalpractice trainers. Within Scotland, prior to2001, trainers’ courses were run on aregional basis with variation in contentand style. Scope to share best practice,optimise use of scarce resources andincrease the number of GP trainers andtraining practices was evident.A course comprising four units withthemes of professional development, qualityassurance, teaching and learning, andassessment was produced. The course hasbeen subject to gradual evolution drivenby feedback from participants and contributors.It continues to receive positivefeedback from participants regarding contentand delivery of the units and hasachieved success with 65% of those completingthe course going on to becomeaccredited trainers.