First contact physiotherapists' perceptions and experiences of practice-based small group learning in NHS Scotland: a qualitative study

Practice-Based Small Group Learning (PBSGL) is a continuing professional development programme use by various professions in primary healthcare teams in NHS Scotland. Primary healthcare teams have enlarged with the addition of new professions including First Contact Physiotherapists (FCP) who provide services to patients without the need for referral. In 2020 a pilot of FCPs groups using PBSGL was undertaken. The pilot involved volunteers from a FCP team in one large NHS board in Scotland. It lasted for 12 months and groups met in-person, switching to video-conferencing (VC) as a consequence of the pandemic. A grounded theory approach was adopted for the evaluation. Research participants took part in individual interviews held using VC. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data was analysed using grounded theory methods with codes and themes being constructed. Two PBSGL groups were formed from 10 participants and 2 facilitators. Ten took part in one-to-one research interviews. Seven main themes were constructed from the data. There was recognition that FCPs had a new role and work context. There was a sense of volunteerism in the pilot and that participants met in their own time. FCPs appreciated the PBSGL learning methods and their meetings fostered peer support and improved professional socialisation. There was a preference for in-person meetings rather than using VC and some participants wanted to join inter-professional groups in the future.