Executive summary
For busy UK clinicians, finding time for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a constant challenge. The good news is that the science of learning points to a more efficient and effective method than traditional "cramming." Evidence overwhelmingly shows that micro-learning (short, focused study bursts), combined with retrieval practice (testing yourself) and spaced repetition (reviewing information at optimal intervals), dramatically improves knowledge retention (PMC).
This approach also aligns perfectly with modern revalidation standards from the GMC and RCGP, which emphasise the quality of reflection on your learning, not just the quantity of hours logged (GMC UK). This guide maps out the best platforms for this new way of learning—including Praktiki, the free and comprehensive NHS e-LfH, live webinars on MedAll, and the powerful, free AI tools within iatroX—to help you learn faster, retain more, and log your CPD with less friction.
The learning science in one page
- Micro-learning: Recent systematic reviews in health education confirm that breaking down complex topics into short, targeted units (5–15 minutes) improves both knowledge and confidence (PMC).
- Spaced repetition & retrieval practice: Actively testing yourself (retrieval) and spacing out those tests over increasing intervals is proven to build durable, long-term memory. A 2024 meta-analysis in health professions education confirmed these benefits (PMC).
- The practical takeaway: A 10-minute quiz on your commute or a single case review between patients is more effective for long-term retention than trying to read a textbook for three hours straight.
CPD, but smarter: what UK regulators actually require
The GMC requires you to collect supporting information and, most importantly, reflect on it for your appraisal. The focus is on relevance, reflection, and impact on your practice. While many GPs and trainees use the convention of 1 CPD credit per hour of learning, your appraiser is far more interested in a concise, insightful reflection on what you learned and what you will change, rather than a simple list of 50 hours (GMC UK, NHS England). A 10-minute micro-learning module with a high-quality, 3-line reflection is a perfect, high-impact CPD entry.
Platform landscape: quick-hit learning and clean CPD logging
Praktiki (micro-learning built for UK clinicians)
- What it is: A mobile-first app (iOS/Android) delivering case-based, bite-sized modules designed for busy clinicians. It's primary-care focused and built on the principles of evidence-based learning.
- Best for: Building a daily habit of learning in just 5-10 minutes. It's a paid tool but often features in periodic free access campaigns via NHS training hubs.
iatroX (UK-centric AI that learns with you)
- Ask iatroX: Provides fast, conversational Q&A with citations to authoritative UK guidance and peer-reviewed research—ideal for clarifying a complex topic after a tricky case.
- Quiz: A completely free adaptive engine that uses spaced repetition. It’s mapped to UK curricula to automatically target your weak domains and help you lock in knowledge.
- CPD logging: An in-app tool to log your learning moments, with AI-assisted prompts to help you write structured reflections and one-click PDF reports mapped to GMC domains for your appraisal.
NHS e-Learning for Healthcare & Learning Hub
- What you get: A vast, trusted catalogue of e-learning modules and specialty programmes. It is completely free for all NHS staff with a simple login.
- Best for: Targeted 10–20 minute modules to bank verifiable CPD on mandatory training (e.g., safeguarding) and specific clinical topics.
MedAll (live micro-sessions + certificates)
- What you get: A huge platform hosting thousands of free live and on-demand webinars, virtual conferences, and courses, many offering free CPD/CME certificates.
- Best for: Logging interactive, "participatory" CPD hours. It's perfect for finding a lunchtime webinar on a topic you're interested in.
BMJ Learning
- What you get: A large library of peer-reviewed modules, often focused on deeper-dive topics, quality improvement, and leadership.
- Best for: Structured clinical refreshers. It's mostly a paid subscription, but some modules are free, and many NHS organisations in England and Wales provide institutional access.
Pharmacists’ corner (CPPE)
- For pharmacy professionals, the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) provides a wealth of NHS-funded e-learning and e-courses, many of which are perfect for a micro-learning approach.
Free vs paid: what you can do today at zero cost
- Completely free: iatroX (adaptive quiz, Ask Q&A, CPD log), NHS e-LfH, and the majority of webinars on MedAll.
- Free with NHS sign-in: BMJ Learning (in many regions), CPPE (for eligible pharmacy professionals).
- Paid (with free trials/campaigns): Praktiki (often has free access offers via local training hubs).
Micro-learning that actually sticks: the method
- Design your “daily five”: Commit to just 5-10 minutes. Aim to learn one clinical pearl, check one prescribing fact, or do 5-10 test questions.
- Automate spacing: Let an AI engine like the iatroX Quiz do the hard work. It will automatically resurface your weaker topics at the optimal intervals to build durable memory.
- Close the loop with reflection: This is the most critical step for CPD. Finish every micro-session with a two-line reflection: "What did I learn?" and "What will I change in my practice?"
A 10-minute-a-day plan
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 6 mins on the iatroX Quiz (adaptive mode).<br>2 mins using Ask iatroX to clarify one concept you missed (check the cited sources).<br>2 mins to save that query to your iatroX CPD log with an AI-assisted reflection. |
| Fri | 10 mins on one e-LfH bite-sized module. |
| Weekend | Optional: A 10-minute Praktiki case vignette or a 15-minute MedAll on-demand webinar. |
CPD logging—templates you can drop into any system
For your appraisal, use this simple, high-impact template for each learning entry:
- Trigger: (e.g., "A patient query," "An iatroX Quiz question," "A MedAll webinar")
- Learning points: (e.g., "Learned that the new guidance prioritises X over Y for first-line treatment.")
- Impact/Change: (e.g., "I will update my clinical template and discuss this with the team at our next meeting.")
- Evidence: (e.g., "Certificate from MedAll" or "iatroX PDF export, entry #12")
Comparison table
| Platform | Best for | Typical Time | CPD Evidence | Pricing Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praktiki | Daily clinical pearls | 5–10 mins | In-app CPD | Paid (watch for free access offers) |
| iatroX | Adaptive quiz, cited Q&A, CPD log | 5–10 mins | Reflective PDF export | Free core features |
| NHS e-LfH | Targeted modules | 10–20 mins | Certificate | Free for NHS staff |
| MedAll | Live/on-demand micro-CPD | 15–60 mins | Certificate | Many events are free |
| BMJ Learning | Deep-dive topics | 20–40 mins | Certificate | Mostly paid (check NHS access) |
| CPPE | Pharmacy pathways | 15–45 mins | Certificate | NHS-funded (eligible users) |
Safeguards & good practice
- Provenance first: Prefer tools that cite their sources. A key feature of iatroX is providing answers with clear citations to authoritative guidance and research, allowing you to verify the information.
- Avoid content fatigue: Rotate your learning modalities (quiz → case → video) to maintain engagement.
- Be appraisal-ready: Keep a running CPD log with concise reflections. Remember, the RCGP and other colleges emphasise the quality of your reflection over a long, unreflective list.
FAQs
- Does 10 minutes of micro-learning “count” for CPD?
- Yes, absolutely. The GMC states that CPD should be relevant and reflected upon. A 10-minute activity with a high-quality reflection on its impact is a perfect CPD entry.
- Is spaced repetition really better than just rereading my notes?
- Yes. The evidence from medical education is overwhelming: actively testing yourself (retrieval) and spacing out those tests over time leads to far superior long-term retention than passive rereading.
- What are the best free tools for this?
- iatroX (for its free adaptive quiz, cited Q&A, and CPD log), NHS e-LfH (for its vast, free catalogue), and MedAll (for its thousands of free, certified webinars) are an exceptionally powerful and free combination.