Raising awareness of Observe GP

RCGP want to encourage aspiring medics across the UK to register and use Observe GP, our free online platform, to provide insights into general practice. Download the resources and suggested copy below so that your organisation can be part of this awareness raising campaign.

Observe GP has been developed by the RCGP to support aspiring medics in making informed careers choices and preparing their application to medical school. Watch our pre-recorded seven-minute webinar to find out more. Available to aspiring medics for free, they can register on the Observe GP page and will be sent the link to access Observe GP instantly. New video content and activities are being developed now to add to the platform in the future.

We have developed the following resource pack, including images for social media, display screen posters, web banners, presentations and copy for bulletins and communications to help all stakeholders raise awareness of Observe GP. With awareness of our environmental impact, we have not produced resource for printed materials.

We have included lots of different versions of images and other resources so that you can use them easily in your own settings. If you would like any of the resources in other formats or sizes please contact us at member.programmes@rcgp.org.uk

Observe GP presentation slides (PowerPoint, 2.9 MB)

We've provided presentation slides that can be used in school assemblies, university open days, summer schools, workshops, or scrolling on electronic display screens. Feel free to delete slides or use the whole package. The content is locked. A script is supplied in the notes pages of each slide - click view, notes pages. 

seven minute pre-recorded webinar explaining the purpose of the platform, is also available on YouTube. This webinar has been created so that colleagues across the country understand what they are being asked to promote. If the slides appear on blurry on screen, please increase the resolution on the settings cog along the bottom toolbar of the video.

Observe GP - Facilitator notes for a group session (PDF file, 6.4 MB)
Observe GP - Terminology bank (PDF file, 149 KB)
Reflective diary (PDF file, 2.1 MB)

More activities are available in the resources section.

Originally, we wished to develop structured lesson plans for each of the videos on Observe GP, designed for use in a classroom. However, due to COVID-19 this has not yet been possible and we are aware that many teachers and careers advisers, across the UK, wish to use Observe GP as part of a virtual session with groups of aspiring medical students. In this case, in order to allow for small group discussion additional software may be required, or functionality utilised such as ‘raise your hand’, ‘breakout rooms’ or equivalent. 

On the platform, answers to the ‘action’ questions, and some of the reflective questions appear on-screen after clicking ‘next’. The facilitator notes above provide some background notes, possible additional questions for discussion and possible answers to those reflective activities where answers are not provided on screen.  

Please note: consultation 2 and team meeting video are quieter in places, we recommend testing volume using these videos before the session begins.

If you use the guidance notes above and have feedback for us, or are interested in working with us to develop structured lesson plans for each video please contact schools@rcgp.org.uk

Observe GP web banners are provided in a range of sizes, in PNG and JPG and with different 'characters' on them, so that you can choose what works best for your website. 

A zip file has been provided, to download all the sizes.(557x400, 710x 300, 1170x150, 1200x250, 1200x400, 1400x200, 1500x450)

Medical schools, and GP practices are encouraged to use these on their web pages and to hyperlink the banner to rcgp.org.uk/observegp

Observe GP web banners zip file (Zip file, 4.5 MB)

Promote Observe GP by inserting this image to your email signature and hyperlinking to rcgp.org.uk/observegp

It is provided in two industry standard sizes, so you can choose what works best for your email.

Medical school staff, outreach and widening participation staff, teachers, and GP’s are encouraged to use this.  

PNG and JPG formats are provided, 728 x 90 pixels. 

Observe GP Email signatures zip file (Zip file, 90 KB)

Use these JPEG files as screensavers on your staff computers or display screens. We've provided them in two sizes (1440 x 900 or 2736 x 1824 pixels) and there are a choice of 'characters' appearing on each.

Observe GP screensavers zip file (Zip file, 2.1 MB)

We've provided PNG images of our designs, sized for social media use on Facebook (1200 x 900 pixels), Twitter (1200 x 675 pixels) or Instagram (1080 x1080 pixels)   

Observe GP Social media images zip file (Zip file, 7.6 MB)

Use this link in your social media posts: rcgp.org.uk/observegp and this video: Observe GP on YouTube. An example post:

Images our presentation slide designs in your own presentations, newsletters or bulletins. 

Observe GP images zip file (Zip file, 4 MB)

Images are JPG 1920 x 1080 pixels.

Medical Schools who wish to promote Observe GP on their web pages can download a blue or white logo, this should be hyperlinked to: rcgp.org.uk/observegp

Observe GP blue logo (PNG file, 16 KB)

Observe GP white logo (PNG file, 16 KB)

Use the below suggested copy, in bulletins, newsletters, emails, social media platforms and on your web pages. We've provided a variety at different lengths so you can use whatever suits you best. Copy and paste from here, amend as required, add quotes or personalisation.

The below 400-word section is most suitable for a blog post about Observe GP. 

Trailblazing video platform launched: Observe GP

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have launched a free online interactive video platform - Observe GP – to allow aspiring medics to gain insights into general practice from anywhere in the UK, regardless of geography or family networks.

Aspiring medics – pupils aged 16-18 who are considering a career in medicine - have historically, been encouraged to gain work experience placements in healthcare as part of their medicine degree application. It is, however, widely understood that there can be inequities in who can access these placements, often based on family connections. In recent years, many medical schools have broadened their requirements and thanks to the work of the Medical Schools Council we are seeing a shift towards encouraging students to gain a variety of ‘relevant experiences

The RCGP are spearheading this message - work experience is one way applicants can gain insight into medicine, but there are other relevant experiences and Observe GP is one of them.

The platform, in many ways goes further than a work experience placement can - the videos allow viewers to watch consultations in split screen, witnessing the body language of both the patient and clinician face on. Key terminology and activities appear on-screen to reinforce learning and prompt reflection. Applicants are encouraged to complete Observe GP alongside other relevant experiences whether that be volunteering in a care home or healthcare setting, informal discussions with medical professionals, reading or listening to podcasts.

The RCGP Schools Outreach team explained their motivations:

"The platform is for all 20,000+ applicants to medicine each year. With 90% of care in the NHS being undertaken in general practice, we feel it is imperative that aspiring medics develop their understanding of the realities of medicine routed in knowledge of primary care."

The videos include a variety of patients and conditions and allow the viewer to meet many of the general practice team including the Practice Manager, Receptionist, GP Trainee, Pharmacist, several GPs and an Advanced Nurse Practitioner. Themes of the videos include long term condition management, self-care, communication, and person-centred care.

For more information contact:

Email schools@rcgp.org.uk

Twitter @TeamGP

Web rcgp.org.uk/observegp

Notes:

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 53,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. The College exists to represent and support its members throughout their careers while also inspiring tomorrow’s GP's.

The below 350 words may be most suitable for a web page. 

Observe GP - interactive video platform

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have launched a free online interactive video platform - Observe GP - to allow aspiring medics to gain insights into general practice from anywhere in the UK. 

The RCGP are spearheading this message - work experience is one-way applicants can gain insight into medicine, but there are other relevant experiences and Observe GP is one of them.  

The platform, in many ways goes further than a work experience placement can - the videos allow viewers to watch consultations in split screen, witnessing the body language of both the patient and clinician head on. Key terminology and activities appear on-screen to reinforce learning and prompt reflection. Applicants are encouraged to complete Observe GP alongside other relevant experiences whether that be volunteering in a care home or healthcare setting, informal discussions with medical professionals, reading or listening to podcasts. 

The RCGP Schools Outreach team explained their motivations: 

“The platform is for all 20,000+ applicants to medicine each year. With 90% of care in the NHS being undertaken in general practice, we feel it is imperative that aspiring medics develop their understanding of the realities of medicine routed in knowledge of primary care.” 

The videos include a variety of patients and conditions and allow the viewer to meet many of the general practice team including the Practice Manager, Receptionist, GP Trainee, Pharmacist, several GPs, and an Advanced Nurse Practitioner. Themes of the videos include long term condition management, self-care, communication, and person-centred care.

For more information contact:

Email schools@rcgp.org.uk

Twitter @TeamGP

Web rcgp.org.uk/observegp

Notes:

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 53,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. The College exists to represent and support its members throughout their careers while also inspiring tomorrow’s GP's.

Observe GP is an interactive video platform set in general practice. Available 24/7, free and online, it provides aspiring medics aged 16+, anywhere in the UK, with an element of relevant experience when applying to medical school. 

Work experience has long been considered the primary pre-requisite when applying to study medicine. The Royal College of General Practitioners support the shift towards ‘relevant experiences’, spearheaded by the Medical Schools Council. Applicants are encouraged to complete Observe GP alongside other relevant experiences whether that be volunteering in a care setting, informal discussions with medical professionals, reading or listening to podcasts. 

The aim is that every applicant to medicine develops an understanding of the realities of medicine which is embedded upon a foundation of knowledge of general practice, where the majority of patient care takes place. 

The videos include a variety of patients and conditions and allow the viewer to meet many of the general practice team including the Practice Manager, Receptionist, GP Trainee, Pharmacist, several GPs, and an Advanced Nurse Practitioner. Themes of the videos include long term condition management, self-care, and person-centred care. Key terminology and activities appear on-screen to reinforce learning and prompt reflection.

24/7 - wherever you live in the UK, available free and online - Observe GP is an interactive video platform set in general practice. Work experience has long been considered the primary way to gain insights into medicine. The RCGP supports the view that there are various ‘relevant experiences’ when applying to medicine including Observe GP. The aim is that every applicant to medicine develops an understanding of the realities of medicine which is embedded upon a foundation of knowledge of general practice, where the majority of patient care takes place. Aspiring medics can register to access Observe GP at rcgp.org.uk/observegp.

Aspiring medics aged 16+ are required to develop an understanding of medicine when applying to medical school. Work experience is one way to gain insights into medicine, the RCGP have created another. Observe GP provides is a free, online interactive video platform providing insights into general practice. More information is available on the Observe GP page.

Heard about Observe GP? Aspiring medics aged 16+ can gain insights into medicine, specifically general practice through this free online interactive video platform.

With thanks to RAW LDN for working with us to produce Observe GP.

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