Self-directed, problem-based learning for undergraduate psychiatry

Medical undergraduate training is currently going through a momentous period of change (Tosteson, 1990). New methods of learning and evaluation are being introduced which will radically alter medical training over the next few years. These changes are in part a response to the way medicine itself is being transformed. Medical educators can no longer hope to equip medical students, upon qualification, with enough basic knowledge and skills to last them throughout their medical careers. Today's students are embarking upon a process of learning which will continue throughout their medical lives. Medical practice will be very different, when today's students become tomorrow's hospital consultants and general practitioners.