Master's degree-accredited professional education and development courses for general practitioners in the North Western Deanery 1997–2002: impact on effectiveness, retention and recruitment to additional roles

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS AREA • A high rate of GP retirement is likely in the next few years.• GPs with The necessary skills are needed to provide care.• Provision of MSc courses designed for GPs is limited.WHAT THIS WORK ADDS • After attending MSc accredited development courses, GPs clearly expressed their intention to retire later.• Many participants have extended their role to become educators, appraisers, GPwSI and also become involved in PCO work.• Participants demonstrated a high rate of progression to further academic modules.SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH • Follow-up of participants' intention of working longer, to measure if that translates into reduced early retirement.• Measurement of the impact of such courses directly against provision of patient care.