In a recent review, Williams and Pace sought to determine whether problem based learning (PBL) is an effective educational strategy in chronic disease management. Databases CINAHL, EMBASE, HealthStar, Medline and PubMed were searched for articles which focused on PBL and patient education or patient learning. Individual 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.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The authors concluded that there is a need for more well designed studies that assess the impact of PBL on self-care management of a variety of chronic diseases. However, it should be added, problem solving has been an integral part of most self-management programs from their inception four decades or so ago.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: No matter the nature of your chronic illness, self-management programs will teach you problem solving skills. The strategies will not only permit you to make better decisions regarding the day-to-day care of your condition, but to perform self-management skills in a more efficient and effective manner.

B Williams, AE Pace. Problem based learning in chronic disease management: A review of the research. Patient Education & Counseling, April 15, 2009.