Problem-based learning for training primary health care managers in developing countries

The 'International Course for Primary Health Care Managers at District Level In Developing Countries' (ICHM) came into being in 1988. Its creation was the direct result of an Italian Government initiative to improve the managerial skills of health care personnel at intermediate level. Problem-based learning (PBL) was selected as the most promising educational approach and the method became associated with primary health care (PHC) management. At the end of three experimental years (1988-1990) a basic course structure that would be open to continual improvement was defined. This paper describes how PBL was implemented practically in 1991, the main problems identified with the method and the corrective action taken for the year 1992.