A novel approach to problem-based learning in a paramedicine programme

Many paramedicine, nursing and medicine programmes use problem-based learning (PBL) to help bridge the gap between clinical theory and real-world practice. This paper describes a novel approach to PBL that has been used in a large, university-based paramedicine programme. Over a 3-year period, an applied pharmacology tutorial was progressively redesigned by a cross-disciplinary team of practising paramedic, pharmacy and educational design academics. A multi-space approach to PBL is described in six stages. The pedagogical basis of the approach is examined. Strategies used within this subject are recommended for further evaluation and consideration.