General Practice Assistant (GPA) Training Program

Practices are eligible for an additional £675 in recognition of clinical and administrative time provided to support the learner.

This payment will be split into 3 payments:

• £200 per learner for mentor’s participation in mentor’s training webinar
• £200 per learner when named mentor is assigned and confirmed for each learner
• £275 on submission/completion of learner’s e-portfolio of evidence for assessment.

To express your interest in a place on the training please contact the training provider ARU Writtle to enquire about a place gpassistant.writtle@aru.ac.uk

Please also see below a link to the GPA programme on the e-learning for health website that has plenty of information on the GPA role, training programme, guides and much more.

https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/general-practice-assistant/

Support and develop those in your practice!

It is expected that all GPAs are trained in practice, with on-the-job training and development led by GP mentors, in line with the role outline and national competency framework.

The GPA Competency Framework sets out the standards required for GPAs working in practice or across Primary Care Networks (PCN’s). The core competencies cover clinical and non-clinical elements spanning across 5 domains:

• Care
• Clinical
• Managing Health Records
• Communication
• Admin

The Framework provides an opportunity for GPAs working in GP practices or across PCN’s, to develop and evidence the competencies applicable to their role, i.e. the knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to the GP practice or PCN. Whilst completing the GPA programme GPAs are supported with on-the-job training by a GP mentor and other healthcare professionals.

Whilst accreditation is not a mandatory requirement to practice as a GPA (see next section), it can help to increase the individual’s confidence, will support future progression, validate their learning, and demonstrate their commitment to achieving optimal standards of practice and improving patient outcomes.

GPAs wishing to receive accreditation must develop a comprehensive, evidence-based portfolio supported by research, practical application, and reflection. Upon successful completion and verification, the GPA will be awarded with a ‘GPA Skills Certificate’ equating to 10 credits at Level 4.

Training and Development Routes

• Non accredited route (in house competency development): GPAs will undertake activities aligned to job description and competency framework, under the guidance and supervision of a GP, as with other ARRS The GP practice/PCN must then deem them competent. GPAs will operate under the contract, guidance and supervision of GPs, as with other ARRS roles. GPs hold responsibility for services delivered under their contract.

However, to encourage best practice GPs/PCNs may request that GPAs create evidence aligned to the competency framework for them to sign off as competent in practice. If so, there are documents and resources to support them on General Practice Assistant – elearning for healthcare (e-lfh.org.uk) including ‘how to build evidence’ and ‘supporting resources’ plus the GPA learner and mentor guides. They may also wish to use the competency framework as a spreadsheet to upload and record their information.

• Accredited route – start of employment: Upon recruitment into the trainee role, the GPA is supported with on-job training in practice led by a GP. From the start of employment, the GPA will join the accredited programme and receive support and guidance to create an evidence portfolio at is assessed locally and verified by an education provider. Upon successful completion/verification, the GPA will be awarded with a certificate and accreditation (e.g. credits at Level 4).

Dependent on local need, there may be learners who undertake only the three non- clinical elements only. This would still require completion of an evidence-based portfolio. Upon completion and verification, GPAs would be awarded with a ‘Certificate of Attendance’ or similar, with an option to complete the clinical domains within two years.

For additional information on the GPA role and training, guides and FAQs please see NHSE E-learning for Health:

VISIT WEBPAGE

For additional information and video on the role of a GPA visit the HEE webpage:

VISIT WEBPAGE

Watch this video for context and a deeper explanation of how GPA’s came about. (NB: this was made for the Midlands region in 2019 so some information may not apply to those in the East)
WATCH VIDEO