_ RCGP Learning

The Learning hubs are the newest addition to the RCGP’s Online Learning Environment (OLE) and serve as a ‘one-stop shop’ for any resources that GPs may need to find on a specific topic. Within each hub, there are various modes of learning, including standard eLearning courses and bite-sized learning such as; screencasts, podcasts, apps and patient journeys.

The link to the main hub page is conveniently located on OLE homepage, in a blue block named ‘Learning hubs’. This main page lists all of the topics available and provides easy access to each individual hub. When a user selects a hub, the hub page will show you a range of different sub-topics and the modes of learning available.

The learning hubs were introduced to provide an easy way for GPs to find the content they need for their CPD and to ultimately create a better user experience. Having a centralised topic area means that GPs don’t need to waste time searching for the content they want to access. Instead, they can find all of the resources they need in one place. GPs can dip in and out of each mode of eLearning and can therefore fit their learning around appointments and their day-to-day roles. It is also easy to track the learning they have completed on a particular topic and add this to their appraisal toolkit. Find out more about uploading RCGP eLearning completions to the Clarity appraisal toolkit.

 Here are the top five benefits of using a topic-specific hub:

1. As mentioned previously, GPs can spend more time learning, rather than searching for relevant CPD
2. Each Learning hub features examples of the different types of eLearning you can find on the RCGP’s OLE
3. Users can benefit from trying different types of learning to see which mode works best for them
4. All of the learning completed in the hubs counts towards CPD
5. The resources in each hub build on each other, providing GPs with a broad knowledge on that one topic

Currently, there are four hubs live on the OLE. These are as follows:

Allergy

The Allergy Hub encompasses all of the types of learning available on the RCGP’s OLE. It consists of eLearning modules, an app, a podcast, a patient journey and a screencast. These resources aim to educate GPs on the various presentations of allergy, including food allergy and respiratory problems such as asthma. They also cover symptoms, management in primary care and when to refer to secondary care. 

The Allergy Hub includes the following resources:

• Allergy eLearning course
• Asthma eLearning course
• Allergy education app
• Food allergy podcast
• Common Atopic Presentations in Primary Care - screencast
• Patient cases: Practical Aspects of Allergy Diagnosis – patient journey

Autoimmunity

The Autoimmunity Hub primarily focusses on coeliac disease, including an eLearning course, podcast and app that all feature this sub-topic. There is also a patient journey module which looks at four different autoimmune diseases, from initial presentation to diagnosis. These resources aim to help GPs through autoimmune disease diagnosis, management and referrals in primary care.

The Autoimmunity hub includes the following resources:

• Coeliac eLearning course
• Coeliac disease podcast
• Autoimmunity education app
• Patient cases: Managing Uncertainty in Autoimmunity – patient journey

LGBT

This collection of eLearning modules, podcasts and screencasts aims to inform and update all members of the general practice team on particularly important aspects of primary care for LGBT people, to improve both experience and outcomes for our patients. It was produced with the help of a grant by the Government Equalities Office and with the guidance of the RCGP’s LGBT+ steering group.

The LGBT Health Hub includes the following resources:

eLearning courses:

• Inequality in healthcare provision: the current state of LGBT health
• Creating an inclusive primary care environment
• Mental health and suicide prevention
• Screening issues in the LGBT population
• The older LGBT Patient
• Sexual and reproductive needs of the LGBT community

Screencasts:

• Addressing LGBT Health inequalities
• Understanding the non-binary patient
• Using language that is inclusive of the LGBT population

Podcasts:

• Improving your practice to be more inclusive
• Sharing vs disclosure
• Parents of LGBT kids

Diabetes

The latest addition to the ‘Learning Hubs’ section is the Diabetes hub, which contains five eLearning courses, three screencasts and two webinars. Whilst the primary topic is diabetes, GPs can access a range of different topics under this umbrella; ranging from medication, lifestyle modification, the NHS Diabetes Programme and most recently, diabetes and COVID-19. These resources aim to help GPs with general diabetes management and advises on how to work with patients to control their condition.

The Diabetes hub includes the following resources:

eLearning courses:

• Polypharmacy
• Diabetes Medication Review & Optimisation
• Targeted use of Anti-Diabetics
• Type 2 diabetes and the low GI diet
• NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

Screencasts:

• Lifestyle Modification
• Newer Insulins
• The Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Webinars:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Dialogue with Experts
• COVID-19 & Diabetes

Access the main hub page.