WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS AREA • There is a lack of consensus about how best to translate research findings into practice. • There is some evidence that interactive small group sessions are more likely to be effective in improving practice than 'traditional methods' although evidence of these benefits translating into improved patient care is sparse. WHAT THIS WORK ADDS • This study, which evaluates practice-based small group (PBSG) learning, a Canadian approach to continuing professional development, found that participants reported improvements in their knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour in relation to evidence-based practice and in their knowledge of small group function. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH • This study was not able to identify what part of the PBSG programme resulted in the described change and a qualitative study is under way to address this question. There are opportunities for further research to assess the longer term acceptability and relevance of this approach to learning both for general practitioners and for the wider primary healthcare team. There is also a need to investigate the potential for this approach to result in demonstrable improvements in patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]