[General practice continuing education--initial experiences with problem-based learning in a continuing education program].

In May 1994, the regional chamber of physicians of Westfalia/Lippe, Germany, introduced their qualifying course in family medicine with a new didactic approach: It changed from a more traditional lecture-based style to the emphasis of problem-based learning. The decision to do this was mainly driven by two reasons: firstly, the common experience of a declining attendance during regular whole day lectures and, secondly, the goal to implement regional quality-seminars following the course. In addition, the federal chamber of physicians published a guidebook with recommendations favoring a more problem-based approach to family medicine in order to implement changes. Although there is still much hesitance in Germany towards the implementation of problem-based learning, we think that this approach cannot only facilitate factual learning but also stimulates other important goals of medical education. Because of time restrictions, it was not possible to assess the outcome. However, participants valued their experience relatively high in a process-evaluation conducted during and after the course.