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.