Impact of a problem-based learning elective on performance in non-problem-based learning required courses

Use of problem-based learning (PBL) in health professions education has limited data supporting improved exam performance and confidence in problem solving, primarily within courses converted to a PBL format. This study aimed to demonstrate a similar benefit in simultaneous and subsequent required, non-PBL courses that involved critical thinking.

This retrospective cohort study included students who were enrolled in the pharmacotherapeutics and case studies/laboratory course sequences in the second and third professional (P3) years. We compared performance across both course sequences of students who took a PBL elective course in the fall of the P3 year (PBL students) and students who did not take the elective course (non-PBL students).

There was a statistically significant difference favoring PBL students in performance in both the therapeutics and case/lab courses offered simultaneously with the PBL elective. There was no significant difference noted between PBL and non-PBL student performance in the subsequent therapeutics and case/lab courses; however, results within individual cohorts differed strikingly from the aggregate analysis. Performance in the PBL elective had no impact on the outcomes of the study.

This study demonstrated an overall benefit for students who participated in a PBL course on performance in simultaneous, critical thinking courses that did not incorporate PBL. However, the aggregate did not show a difference in performance in subsequent critical thinking, non-PBL courses. Further studies are needed to elucidate the true benefit of the PBL approach in other non-PBL courses that require advanced clinical reasoning.