Design, develop, deliver and evaluate an education programme for GPs to safely prescribe and manage patients with acne using isotretinoin
Aim & Objectives:
The overarching aim is to promote safe, timely and equitable access to oral isotretinoin in primary care for people with acne in Ireland.
The objectives of this study are to design, develop, deliver and evaluate a GP education module:
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Design: Synthesise core clinical competencies identified in the BJGP scoping review and integrate specific educational needs, barriers, and facilitators identified in Study 2 (qualitative study, submitted for publication) to inform the clinical content of the educational programme for GPs
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Develop: Utilise a modified Nominal Group Technique (mNGT)(1) with a multidisciplinary stakeholder group to achieve consensus on the essential content, specific learning outcomes, and optimal delivery methods for the educational programme
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Deliver: In February 2026 we delivered a comprehensive, online, blended learning educational programme, in collaboration with the Irish College of GPs. We engaged national and international acne subject matter experts. This module incorporated a live webinar, a narrated self-paced module with 'on-demand' video supporting clinical materials, a moderated discussion board and additional reading. This module is aligned with the established Irish College of GP format, with each education module delivered across four weeks.
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Evaluate: the educational programme using a mixed-methods approach. This will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact on GP knowledge, self-reported confidence, and intended evolution of isotretinoin clinical practice. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and future scaling of the educational programme based on evaluation findings.
Research team:
Dr Diarmuid Quinlan, MD candidate, GP, Glanmire & Medical Director of Irish College of GPs
Prof Tony Foley, Professor of General Practice, Department of General Practice, UCC
Prof Laura Sahm, Vice Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Head of Clinical Pharmacy Practice at UCC.
Dr Edel Burton, Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy, UCC and Clinical Pharmacist, Bon Secours Hospital, Cork
Dr Linda O'Keeffe, Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology, School of Public Health, UCC