Individual Practice-Based Learning Program
The Individual PBLP is a flexible program that can easily fit into your busy schedule when and where you choose. It is a structured, self-directed learning activity designed to assist you to incorporate evidence-based knowledge into your practice. The 14 PBLP modules provided with your membership contain relevant family practice cases, an evidence-based summary of key information, a commentary on the cases, as well as practical handouts, diagnosis and treatment algorithms and/or chart aids. The modules are available in both an online interactive format called the Interactive Module (IM) as well as a more traditional online and print-compatible PDF module format. Each module is accompanied by a comprehensive personal Practice Reflection Tool (PRT) designed to trigger reflection on learning and implementation of new knowledge into practice.
Development of Educational Modules
Fourteen modules are produced each year. The topics cover a wide array of primary care practice issues. Module topics are selected using a rigorous process, which includes input from program members and a scan of recent literature and guidelines to determine what clinical topics are most relevant to practicing family physician members.
The development team for each module includes a family physician author, a family physician editor, a professional medical writer, and an experienced module coordinator. Each module takes approximately nine months to develop. Module development involves roundtable discussion by representative PBLP members, pilot testing by two or three small groups, and review by two content experts. Modules consist of the following elements:
- Identifying gaps between current physician practice and available evidence.
- Real patient cases that explore the identified gaps, including stimulus questions that encourage members to reflect on what they would do in the case scenario.
- Commentaries accompany the cases to provide a possible approach to the application of the new information.
- Supporting information points are provided with levels of evidence indicated.
- Appendices provide clinical algorithms, patient handouts, chart aids, and other tools to assist in practice implementation.
Throughout the discussion of the module, members are encouraged to reflect on their own real-life cases and practice realities.
All efforts are made to provide unbiased evidence-based information in modules. Pharmaceutical companies or other for-profit companies are never involved in the production of modules.
Click here to see an example of a module and here to see a list of recent module topics.
Interactive Module
Each of the 14 modules produced annually is available on our Interactive Module platform. The Interactive Module allows you to navigate the content according to your preferred order and individual learning needs. The content is broken into chunks of information, which aids in reducing cognitive load and helps you take bite-sized pieces of information from your short-term memory to your long-term memory. You can bookmark information points and take notes throughout the module to quickly access the information you need. The responsive design of the Interactive Module makes our modules compatible across devices, whether you are using your desktop or mobile. The online Interactive Module is only available in English at this time but is available to all Individual PBLP members.
Practice Reflection
The personal Practice Reflection Tool is completed for each module. This tool initially helps the individual consolidate the knowledge gained and go over the gaps in their own practice that were identified while working through the module. It then asks them to make commitments to change their own practice, allowing them to commit to changes, consider changes, and confirm current practices. Barriers and enablers for change are explored. Click here to see an example of the Practice Reflection Tool.
Several months after the initial module review, individuals are provided the opportunity to reflect on the success of planned practice changes through the use of a Follow-Up Practice Reflection Tool. Click here to see an example of the Follow-Up Practice Reflection Tool.
Practice Improvement Activity
The Foundation for Medical Practice Education (FMPE) is pleased to announce a new activity, available to all Practice-Based Learning Program members: the Practice Improvement Activity!
What is the Practice Improvement Activity?
- A step-by-step guide to implementing simple quality improvement projects in your practice
- An extension of the commitments to practice change you are already making in the Practice-Based Learning Programs
- An opportunity to earn 20-40 Mainpro+ Assessment credits depending on the activity
- The Practice Improvement Activity has been certified for 2 Mainpro+ Assessment credits per hour
- An activity that can be used to aid you with a requirement to do a quality improvement project for your College, hospital, or clinic
Do you want support to do quality improvement in your practice? This activity is for you!
- Activities range from simple introductory quality improvement concepts to more advanced techniques.
- Activities are based on evidence and recommendations from the FMPE modules you are already studying. Each module mailout will include a detailed PIA corresponding to one of the modules, with four PIAs published annually.
- The program offers the support of a Quality Improvement Coach and community.
- Small group program members can bring their experiences to their group for discussion and can choose to do activities with one or more of their group members.