E-learning preferences of rural general practitioners: A descriptive educational needs assessment. Results of a cross-sectional survey distributed through UK and European rural GP networks

BACKGROUND: Rural general practitioners (GPs) encounter unique challenges in accessing continuing professional development (CPD). E-learning offers a potential solution by overcoming geographic and time constraints, particularly when the content is relevant to the rural primary care context. OBJECTIVES: To identify rural GPs' preferences regarding the format, duration, and content of e-learning and to assess their current engagement with and awareness of CPD specific to rural primary care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single cross-sectional online survey was distributed through 2 recruitment channels: the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in the UK and the European Rural and Isolated Practitioners Association (EURIPA), a pan-European network of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA). A total of 157 RCGP members responded to the survey, with an unknown response rate; 30 of 94 active EURIPA members responded after the survey was distributed through its newsletter and Google Group. The survey assessed e-learning engagement, preferred formats and durations, and priority topics. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses. RESULTS: Five of the 67 survey participants who answered the question on whether they used any rural primary care-relevant e-learning responded positively (8%). Preferred formats for rural primary care-relevant e-learning included interactive e-modules, webinars, online lectures, and podcasts; the preferred duration was 30-40 min. Priority topics included emergency care, mental health and addiction, multimorbidity and complexity, managing risk and uncertainty, frailty, and telemedicine. CONCLUSIONS: Rural GPs favor short, interactive, context-specific e-learning. These findings can guide the design of pan-European rural primary care modules. Future studies should evaluate educational effectiveness and implementation feasibility.