Advice on Becoming a GPwER (GP with Extended Role)
A GPwER, or GP with an Extended Role (formerly known as GPwSI or GP with Specialist Interest), is a practising GP with a UK licence who takes on specialised responsibilities beyond their primary care duties. This role typically involves working under a separate contract in addition to your regular practice, offering opportunities to enhance your earning potential and diversify your professional experience.
The GPwER role requires additional training and the development of new skills, allowing you to focus on specific areas of interest. This not only adds variety to your role but also enriches your professional portfolio, opening doors to various career opportunities.
If you’re considering becoming a GP with an extended role, here’s a guide on what it involves and how to get started, along with answers to some frequently asked questions.
The Transition from GPwSI to GPwER: What’s the Difference?
In 2015, the term GPwER replaced GPwSI. The original GPwSI role was created to help GPs alleviate pressure on intermediate care services. The key difference between a GPwSI and a GPwER is that now the GP professional is accredited, rather than the setting or service in which they work.
What Is Defined as an Extended Role?
GPwER roles can span a wide range of specialties, offering GPs the chance to develop expertise in areas such as:
- Teaching or Training
- Research
- Occupational Medicine
- Minor Surgery
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Procedures
- Mental Health
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Women’s Health
To maintain your status as a GPwER, you must continue your general practice role alongside these extended duties.
How Do I Become a GP with an Extended Role?
GPwER Requirements
To qualify as a GPwER, you need to meet specific requirements, including:
- A Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or an equivalent qualification
- Current GP registration and a licence with the GMC
- Completion of at least 40 core GP sessions in the past 12 months
- Evidence of ongoing practice in a primary care role on a performers list (or equivalent)
- Active participation in an annual medical appraisal covering your whole scope of practice
As a GPwER, you must also demonstrate that you meet the requirements of your extended role by maintaining online records that include:
- Evidence of knowledge and core skills relevant to your extended role
- Documentation of experience and supervised training in the specialty, along with details of your supervisor(s)
- Positive feedback on your communication skills, teamwork, and performance in the extended role
- A structured reference from your clinical supervisor
GPwER Accreditation
Accreditation is essential for validating your competence in certain extended roles. If available, the accreditation process should be a collaboration between primary and secondary care, with standards that meet the needs of all stakeholders. Continued competence is then demonstrated through your annual medical appraisal and revalidation, meaning you won’t need to be reaccredited each year.
Maintaining Competence as a GPwER
To maintain your GPwER status, it’s crucial to build and update a portfolio of evidence during your annual medical appraisal and revalidation. This portfolio should demonstrate that you are keeping your knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant and up to date.
Your annual appraisal portfolio should include:
- CPD Undertakings: Documenting your ongoing professional development
- Quality Improvement Activity (QIA): Showing your efforts to improve patient care
- Significant Events: Reflecting on any notable incidents or learning experiences
- Patient Feedback: Collecting and analysing feedback from those you care for
- Colleague Feedback: Gaining insights from your peers
- Complaints and Compliments: Addressing both positive and negative feedback
It’s also advisable to include a description of the governance arrangements for the service you provide as a GPwER and how you would respond to patient safety concerns.
Within your appraisal portfolio, you should answer these four key questions:
- What do you do in this part of your scope of practice?
- How do you keep up to date for this part of your scope of practice?
- What review have you done of this part of your scope of practice, and what difference has it made?
- What feedback have you received on this part of your scope of practice, and what difference has it made?
By meeting these requirements and thoroughly documenting your practice, you can achieve the revalidation necessary to maintain your GPwER status each year.
Conclusion
Becoming a GPwER offers an exciting opportunity to expand your career, focus on areas that interest you, and take on new challenges outside of traditional primary care. At Medical Staffing, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you pursue this rewarding career path. Whether you’re looking for guidance on meeting the requirements or finding the right opportunities, we can help you achieve your professional goals as a GP with an extended role.