Problem based learning in chronic disease management: A review of the research

ObjectiveTo determine whether problem based learning (PBL) is an effective educational strategy in chronic disease management.MethodsThe databases CINAHL, EMBASE, HealthStar, Medline and PubMed were searched for articles which focused on PBL and patient education or patient learning.ResultsIndividual studies using PBL as an intervention with chronic disease management reflect significant changes in cognitive and clinical outcomes among individuals experiencing diabetes, asthma, arthritis and coronary artery disease.ConclusionThere is a need for more well designed studies that assess the impact of PBL on self-care management of a variety of chronic diseases.Practice implicationsThere is some evidence that PBL is effective in promoting self-care with individuals experiencing diabetes, arthritis, asthma and coronary artery disease.