Comparison of problem-based learning curricula in two occupational therapy programmes

There is increasing interest in the use of problem-based learning (PBL) approaches in the education of health professionals. This paper compares the PBL occupational therapy programmes at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. The First section of the paper offers some general comments about problem-based learning; the second section presents an overview of key components of the occupational therapy programmes at McMaster University and Shenandoah University. A description of the similarities and differences between the programmes is provided, and critical issues that have emerged in the process of implementing these programmes are discussed.