Initial experiences of interprofessional problem-based learning: a comparison of male and female students' views

Few studies have considered the contribution of problem-based learning (PBL) to interprofessional education, and even fewer have examined whether women and men evaluate PBL differently. This paper examines first year occupational therapy and physiotherapy students' evaluations of their initial participation in PBL, during an interprofessional module focusing on communication skills and patient-focused approaches to care. Questionnaire data included attitude ratings and qualitative evaluations of PBL. A total of 133 females and 24 males responded (comprising 83% of the total cohort). Most students were positive that PBL contributed to both personal learning and team-working skills. Both female and male students felt able to express their opinions within the seminar groups and were positive that their understanding of therapists' roles within the multidisciplinary team had increased. However, women expressed rather more trust in the information provided by other students, confirmed greater enjoyment in taking responsibility for their own learning and had more positive views about working with students from another course. In their qualitative comments, more women made reference to enjoying the social aspects of PBL (such as group work, support and collaboration). The gender differences were not substantial but those that were observed support previous researchers' arguments that women are more inclined to be 'connected learners' who value the social aspects of learning contexts. The findings overall suggested that PBL made a positive, well-received contribution to learning during an interprofessional module.