PROBLEM-BASED AND CASE-BASED LEARNING IN PHYSIOTHERAPY

Abstract

Innovative teaching methods that equip physiotherapy students for actual clinical decision-making are necessary due to the growing complexity of healthcare. Student-centered teaching methods like problem-based learning (PBL) and case-based learning (CBL) encourage critical thinking, clinical reasoning, active learning, and lifetime learning abilities. While CBL uses scripted patient cases to bridge theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, PBL promotes students to find and solve real-world clinical problems through self-directed inquiry, in contrast to traditional lecture-based techniques. Due to their success in enhancing professional competence, communication skills, teamwork, and evidence-based practice, these pedagogical approaches have become more well-known in physiotherapy education. The theoretical underpinnings, applications, advantages, difficulties, and potential future directions of PBL and CBL in physiotherapy education are all critically examined in this chapter. A thorough analysis of recent research demonstrates the importance of these methods in producing skilled physiotherapists who can handle a variety of patient needs. In order to improve educational outcomes and advance patient-centered treatment, the chapter promotes the inclusion of PBL and CBL in physiotherapy curriculum.