Problem based learning in continuing medical education: a review of controlled evaluation studies

Reviews of undergraduate medical education cautiously support the short term and long term outcomes of problem based learning compared with traditional learning. The effectiveness of problem based learning in continuing medical education, however, has not been reviewed. This review of controlled evaluation studies found limited evidence that problem based learning in continuing medical education increased participants' knowledge and performance and patients' health. There was moderate evidence that doctors are more satisfied with problem based learning.