Survey of Intern’s Satisfaction with Implementing Problem-based Learning by Case-based Small Group Discussion in the Internal Medicine Department

Case-based education and problem-based learning are common teaching and learning methods in clinical wards. The aim of this study was to combine these two methods to improve interns' satisfaction with learning approach to common complaints in the medical curriculum.Materials &  In this study, some of the common clinical problems in the syllabus of the general practitioner curriculum were educated with adherence to the problem by designing appropriate cases (case-based). The cases were designed and presented in small group discussions with step-by-step limited and controlled approach to cases and providing feedback by the educator and prepare opportunities for reflection. The survey was evaluation of the interns' satisfaction by a Questionnaire. Among 65 interns who completed the survey, more than three-quarters were fully satisfied with the impact of this training method in approach to the patient complaints. The training program encouraged 80% of interns to obtain accurate vital signs in patients with dyspnea. The method of combining problem-based learning with case-based education is effective according to interns' opinions about improving their attitude in approach to the patients' problems and can be used as an attractive tool in clinical education. This time-consuming method requires experienced faculty members proportionate to increasing the number of medical students.