During your research on the application process to Medical School, you have most likely been introduced to various teaching methods and curricular approaches. One such method gaining prominence is Problem-Based Learning (PBL). PBL offers a unique and interactive learning experience that prepares students for the complexities of medical practice. In this article, we will explore, what to expect at medical during PBL sessions, and provide you with valuable tips on how to exceed and thrive in such an educational environment. If you want to check out other teaching styles, click on this great article on the FutureDoc Blog.

Understanding PBL

Problem-Based Learning focuses on active learning through real-life scenarios. Rather than relying solely on traditional lectures, PBL encourages students to engage in problem-solving exercises and collaborative discussions. In PBL, students are presented with a clinical case or problem and work in small groups to identify the underlying medical issues, generate hypotheses, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the case. PBL not only enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also promotes teamwork and effective communication, which are essential qualities for future healthcare professionals.

Here is a general overview of how PBL works in the context of medical education:

• Group Formation: Students are divided into small groups, typically consisting of about 8 to 10 individuals. These groups remain constant throughout the PBL curriculum to promote teamwork and foster a supportive learning environment.
• Case Presentation: A clinical case is presented to the group. The case may include patient history, symptoms, physical examination findings, and relevant diagnostic tests. The case is designed to simulate real-life medical scenarios and typically reflects the complexity and uncertainty of clinical practice.
• Problem Identification: As a group, students identify the key problems or issues presented in the case. They discuss and analyse the available information, generating hypotheses, and formulating questions to guide their learning process.
• Self-Directed Learning: Students engage in self-directed learning to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address the identified problems. They research relevant medical concepts, consult textbooks, journal articles, online resources, and attend lectures or seminars related to the case.
• Group Discussions: The group reconvenes to share and discuss their individual findings and insights. They present their research, exchange ideas, debate different perspectives, and challenge assumptions. Group discussions are guided by a facilitator who ensures that the discussion stays focused and encourages active participation from all group members.
• Facilitator Guidance: A facilitator, often a faculty member or experienced clinician, guides the PBL sessions. They facilitate the discussions, ensure that the group stays on track, provide clarifications when needed, and encourage critical thinking and reflection. The facilitator's role is to stimulate learning rather than provide direct answers.

Now we’ve discussed the PBL process, lets delve into some of the advantages of PBL:

• Active Learning: PBL shifts the focus from passive learning to active engagement. Students take an active role in their education by actively exploring clinical cases, formulating questions, conducting research, and participating in group discussions. This hands-on approach promotes deeper learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Clinical Relevance: PBL provides students with a direct connection to clinical practice. By working through realistic patient cases, students develop a deeper understanding of the application of medical knowledge in real-life scenarios. This promotes the integration of basic science concepts with clinical reasoning, enhancing the relevance and practicality of the learning experience.
• Problem-Solving Skills: PBL hones students' problem-solving abilities. By tackling complex clinical cases, students learn to identify and analyse problems, generate hypotheses, consider differential diagnoses, and develop evidence-based solutions. This nurtures their analytical thinking, diagnostic skills, and decision-making abilities, all of which are crucial for future medical practice.
• Teamwork and Communication: PBL fosters collaboration and teamwork among students. Working in small groups, students learn to communicate effectively, respect diverse perspectives, and engage in productive discussions. This mirrors the interdisciplinary teamwork required in healthcare settings, preparing students to work collaboratively with colleagues and other healthcare professionals in their future careers.
• Self-Directed Learning: PBL encourages self-directed learning, an essential skill for lifelong learning in medicine. Students take responsibility for their education, actively seeking out information, conducting research, and filling knowledge gaps. This cultivates a sense of curiosity, resourcefulness, and a lifelong learning mindset that is vital in a constantly evolving field like medicine.
• Patient-Cantered Approach: PBL promotes a patient-centred approach to healthcare. Students learn to consider the patient's perspective, incorporate patient preferences, and address the psychosocial aspects of care alongside medical knowledge. This cultivates empathy, cultural competence, and an understanding of the holistic needs of patients.
• Long-Term Knowledge Retention: PBL facilitates long-term retention of knowledge. The active learning, problem-solving, and integration of concepts in a clinical context promote a deeper understanding of the material, leading to better knowledge retention and application in future clinical practice.

Overall, PBL offers a dynamic and engaging learning experience that prepares medical students for the challenges they will face as healthcare professionals. By developing critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills, PBL equips students with the essential competencies needed for successful medical practice.

Excelling in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) during medical school requires active participation, effective study strategies, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Here are some tips to help you exceed in PBL:

• Preparation: If your medical school provides you with the case in advance, review the case materials thoroughly before each PBL session. Familiarise yourself with the patient's history, symptoms, and relevant medical information.
• Actively Engage in Group Discussions: Participate actively in group discussions by sharing your insights, asking thoughtful questions, and contributing to problem-solving. Listen attentively to your group members, respect different viewpoints, and encourage open dialogue. Be willing to take on leadership roles within the group, such as facilitating discussions or organising group tasks.
• Take Ownership of Learning: Embrace self-directed learning outside of PBL sessions. Use resources such as textbooks, research articles, and online platforms to enhance your understanding of the case and related medical concepts. Seek out additional learning opportunities, such as attending relevant lectures, workshops, or conferences to deepen your knowledge.
• Effective Communication Skills: Hone your communication skills by articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely during group discussions. Practice active listening, showing respect for your peers' ideas and perspectives. Seek constructive feedback from your group members and facilitators to improve your communication style.
• Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Approach each case with a critical mindset. Evaluate the evidence, consider alternative hypotheses, and challenge assumptions. Utilise critical thinking frameworks, such as the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) model, to structure your analysis and decision-making process effectively. Engage in independent research to explore different perspectives and broaden your understanding of the case.
• Time Management and Organisation: Develop effective time management skills to balance PBL requirements with other academic commitments. Create a study schedule that allows for regular review and preparation for PBL sessions. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable goals, and prioritise them based on urgency and importance.
• Embrace Collaboration and Teamwork: Foster a collaborative and supportive atmosphere within your group. Encourage the active participation of all members and promote open communication. Be receptive to feedback and learn from the knowledge and perspectives of your peers. Offer your assistance to others when needed and actively contribute to the collective learning experience.
• Self-Directed Learning: PBL places a significant emphasis on self-directed learning. While faculty members are available to guide and facilitate the process, it is essential to take ownership of your education. Develop effective study habits, set goals, and create a study schedule that accommodates the demands of PBL.

Here is a list of the UK medical schools known for implementing PBL:
University of Manchester, Hull York Medical School, Newcastle University, Queen's University Belfast, Keele University, University of Central, University of Dundee, University of Exeter, Plymouth University, University of East Anglia, University of Liverpool, University of Warwick, University of Southampton, St George's, University of London.

CBL (Case-Based Learning):
It is important to note that there is a slight variant of PBL known as CBL. Case-Based Learning is an instructional method that focuses on presenting students with real-world scenarios. These cases are typically drawn from actual situations, historical events, or hypothetical scenarios that are relevant to the subject being taught.

Hopefully this guide has explained what PBL is, the advantages this teaching method can have on your learning, and how to exceed at it. By implementing these strategies and approaches, you can exceed in PBL during medical school, further enhancing your critical thinking abilities, teamwork skills, and clinical reasoning, all of which will benefit you in your future medical career. Feel free to check out this brilliant article on how best to study during Medical School here.

Written By Musaddiq Ali