Problem based learning better prepares students for practice

Abstract

Medical graduates who have followed a problem based learning (PBL) course report that they have a different set of skills when they start working than students who have followed a traditional course (Medical Education 2005;39: 394-401). Katinka Prince and colleagues analysed responses from 1159 graduates from one PBL (239) and four non-PBL (917) medical schools in the Netherlands. (At the time of the study there was only one PBL medical school in the Netherlands.) Graduates answered a questionnaire 18 months after graduating. “We explored graduates' perceptions of how well their training had prepared them for medical practice, particularly in general competencies. We compared the opinions of graduates from PBL and non-PBL schools, because PBL is supposed to enhance general competencies,” Dr Prince explained. The PBL graduates rated their quality of training, and in turn, their preparation for practice, significantly more highly than their non-PBL counterparts. Non-PBL graduates (83%) ranked their own expert medical knowledge significantly more highly than the PBL graduates (72%). Most PBL graduates (83%) considered that they had competent communication skills in contrast to a minority of non-PBL graduates (41%). Dr Prince said, “This study showed that PBL graduates gave higher ratings for the connection between school and work and their preparation for practice. We expected this as PBL is supposed to enhance preparation for practice. We found it interesting that the PBL school appeared to provide better preparation with respect to several of the competencies needed in practice—profession specific skills, communication skills, and teamwork.” The study showed, however, that most graduates (46% PBL and 34% non-PBL) report a lack of training in computer work, planning and organisation skills, and leadership skills at medical school. Most graduates (53% PBL and 58% non-PBL) agreed that although they had attained most of their knowledge during medical school, they had learnt …