AIM: To investigate the efficacy of applying problem-based learning(PBL)method in clinical internship of eight-year program medical students in Department of ophthalmology.

METHODS: Totally 40 medical students of eight-year program, who were clinical interns from January 2013 to March 2014 in Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, were randomly divided into PBL teaching group(PBL group)and traditional teaching group(control group), 20 students in each group. In PBL group, students positively participated in clinical internship leading by PBL teaching, whereas in control group, students were guided by teachers in pattern of traditional teaching. Practical effects of different teaching methods were comprehensively evaluated by questionnaire and examination results.

RESULTS: In analysis of final examination, PBL group had higher scores than control groups in the quiz, case analysis and overall performance with statistical significance between the two groups(P<0.05), as for score of multiple-choice and glossary questions, differences between the two groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05). From the data of intern self-assessment questionnaire, PBL group was superior to control group in comprehensive analysis capabilities, motivation to learn, and learning outcomes with statistically significant differences(P<0.05). Whereas concerning stimulating interest of students and satisfaction of teaching mode, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05). From the intern evaluation by teachers, PBL group was superior to control group in pre-intern preparation, full and accurate expression of views in class and clinical logic(P<0.05), however, there was no difference in communicative abilities with patients between the two groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: PBL teaching is suitable for internship learning in Department of Ophthalmology for eight-year program medical students. PBL method can improve student's capabilities of clinical comprehensive analysis and contribute to develop the ability to solve clinical problems positively.