This opinion piece supports the use of problem-based learning (PBL) as a teaching and learning method that can be used to support evidence-based practice. The PBL process reflects that of evidence-based practice: by engaging in this process, the occupational therapy student can gain the skills, ability and confidence to use his or her personal and professional knowledge, existing or new, in challenging and changing practice environments.
BarrowsHS (1986) The taxonomy of problem-based learning methods. Medical Education, 20, 481–86.
2.
BrandonJEMajumdarB (1997) An introduction and evaluation of problem-based learning in health professions education. Journal of Family and Community Health, 20(1), 1–15.
3.
College of Occupational Therapists (2005) College of Occupational Therapists: Code of ethics and professional conduct. London: COT.
4.
DavidTPatelLBurbettKRangchariP (1999) Problem-based learning in medicine. London: Royal Society of Medicine Press.
5.
DavysDPopeK (2006) Problem-based learning within occupational therapy education: a summary of the Salford experience. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(12), 572–74.
6.
EdwardsRUsherR (1993) Research: reflecting practice? Modern paradigms, postmodern controversies. In: MillerNJonesDJ, eds. Research reflecting practice: papers from the 1993 SCUTREA Annual Conference. London: SCUTREA (Standing Conference on University Teaching and Research in the Education of Adults).
7.
GubaEG (1990) The alternative paradigm dialogue. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
8.
HamerS (2005) Evidence-based practice. In: HamerSCollinsonG.Achieving evidence-based practice: a handbook for practitioners. 2rd ed.Edinburgh: Baillière Tindall, 3–13.
9.
HarkerR (1990) Bourdieu: education and reproduction. In: HarkerRMaharCWilkesC, eds. An Introduction to the work of Pierre Bourdieu. Basingstoke: Macmillian.
10.
Health Professions Council (2007) Standards of proficiency for occupational therapists. London: HPC.
11.
KamwendoKTörnquistK (2001) Do occupational therapy and physiotherapy students care about research? A survey of perceptions and attitudes to research. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 15, 295–302.
12.
LusardiMLevangiePFeinB (2002) A problem-based learning approach to facilitate evidence-based practice in entry-level health professional education. Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, 14(2), 40–50.
13.
MaudsleyG (2002) Making sense of trying not to teach: an interview study of tutors' ideas of problem-based learning. Academic Medicine, 77(2), 162–72.
14.
ReevesSMannL SummerfieldCaunceMBeecraftSLivingRConwayM (2005) Understanding the effects of problem-based learning on practice: findings from a survey of newly qualified occupational therapists. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67(7), 323–27.
15.
RossB (1997) Towards a framework for problem-based curricula. In: BoudDFelettiG, eds. The challenge of problem-based learning. London: Kogan Page.
16.
Savin-BadenM (2000) Problem-based learning in higher education: untold stories. Buckingham: Open University Press.
17.
SolomonP (2005) Problem-based learning: a review of current issues relevant to physiotherapy education. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 21(1), 37–49.