How WiseGP came about
The seeds of WiseGP were sown during a pivotal workshop held at the Royal College of General Practitioners conference in 2017.
The event gathered an overwhelming turnout, with around 120 participants filling the room.
At the heart of the workshop was a candid discussion about the formidable challenges faced by GPs in their roles. This led to the realisation that a shift was necessary – a new way of thinking about practice. The notion of ‘clinical scholarship’ began to emerge as a focal point in the discussions, with attendees recognising the need for GPs to take ownership of their professional practice and development.
The participants, determined to bridge the gap between the daily experiences of practicing GPs and academic scholarship, felt that an initiative was needed to empower GPs themselves to develop the tools and insights they needed to thrive in their roles.
Through subsequent dialogues with various stakeholders, including GPs, the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Society for Academic Primary Care, and university colleagues, WiseGP was born.
The term WiseGP not only encapsulated the essence of wise general practice but also resonated more effectively with the GP community. WiseGP came to symbolise the collective effort of GPs and their general practice colleagues to navigate the intricate landscape of modern healthcare with wisdom, practical insights, and a commitment to continuous learning.
The journey from that packed workshop in 2017 to the inception of WiseGP was a testament to the collaborative spirit, the willingness to challenge established norms, and the determination to equip GPs with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Dr Machin shed light on the Wise GEMs initiative, outlining its purpose within the context of time constraints faced by busy GPs.
She explained, “The GEMs library highlights research that doctors can apply in practice. The thought behind GEMs was that often busy GPs don't have the time to read detailed research articles, so we have made it really easy to find and use the latest research.”
Professor Reeve related the alignment between the Wise GEMs initiative and the feedback received during the initial workshop back in 2017.
She explained, “It relates back to that very first workshop, where GPs said research is something somebody else does, and they don’t have the time or the skills to do it.
“The Wise GEMs initiative, however, empowers GPs by portraying research as a practical tool that can be used in everyday practice.”
The ripple effect of WiseGP
Dr Machin shared her perspective on the transformative impact of her involvement in the WiseGP initiative, stating, “I found it inspiring working with Professor Reeve. Being involved in it made me think differently about my practice and be a better GP, and I think I also have a positive influence on the trainees I work with in practice.”
Her experience working alongside Professor Reeve and contributing to WiseGP led her to view her own practice through a fresh lens, resulting in personal growth as a GP. This transformation not only benefited her individual practice but also had a ripple effect on students and colleagues she mentors, in addition to collaborators, enhancing their approaches to patient care.
Professor Reeve echoed these sentiments and shared her personal journey and motivation behind her involvement in the WiseGP initiative.
She reflected, "Chaos crisis creates an opportunity for something different and so that's what it is for me, is the chance to actually make a difference.”
Professor Reeve's words reflected her profound drive in seizing the chance presented by challenges and disruptions to bring about transformation in healthcare. While she acknowledged that her phrasing might sound grand, her underlying message was clear: WiseGP represents an avenue for her to enact impactful change and steer healthcare in a more positive direction.
For more information visit the WiseGP website, or contact Professor Joanne Reeve, Director of the Academy of Primary Care.