Communities of Practice theory is a knowledge sharing educational model based on Lave and Wenger’s work, in which “groups of people with a shared concern or a passion for something that they do, learn how to do it better as they interact regularly”. It describes ‘master and apprentice’ learning and is effectively used in business to drive knowledge sharing and efficiency.

CoPs are increasingly being used in education and healthcare, and are increasingly ‘virtual’, being augmented with online tools. However, until recently there was no literature on their role in General Practice Training, and very little literature in the Australian context.

Dr Stephen Barnett is a General Practitioner, General Practice Medical Educator with Coast City Country GP Training (CCCGPT) and a Senior Lecturer in General Practice and Educational Technology at the University of Wollongong.

His PhD (awarded 2014) researched the literature on VCoP in GP Training, developed a framework for the implementation of VCoPs in the healthcare context and developed and trialled a VCoP for GP trainees across the 160 000 sqkm GP training program of CCCGPT.

His talk will provide an overview of the research, some practical tips on the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of implementing a VCoP and then describe the development of his research into current projects with the Black Dog Institute and Australian GP training. 

RSVP, Friday, 7th August at Research.CHaSR@acu.edu.au