Self-directed learning at the point of care

Abstract

Self-directed learning ‘is a process in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes’. The purpose of this article is to explain why self-directed learning is important; to outline the important steps in self-directed learning; to summarise the evidence for self-directed learning; and to suggest criteria to help you choose appropriate tools that will help with self-directed learning at the point of care.