Peer assisted learning - use it or lose it?

Peer assisted learning has a longstanding history in health care education. It is a method of teaching that involves using peers in a similar educational context to teach students (learners) a particular skill or practical application.This literature review was conducted to examine the literature around Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) programs in heath- related disciplines, including three studies directly relating to PAL programs in a paramedic discipline. In the review, the benefits and limitations of PAL programs arc discussed.At the completion of the review a new study design is suggested incorporating the limitations reviewed in the current literature and the benefits of using PAL in smaller paramedic programs.