Authors | Institution | |
Alexandre Moura Fabiano Guimaraes Rosa Malena Delbone de Faria |
UNIFENAS-BH |
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The importance of the health community agent in community-based learning at a large urban area: the experience of Unifenas Medical School, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. |
Despite recommended by national guidelines, integration between university and community aimed at fostering learning of primary care is difficult to implement, particularly in large urban areas. At Unifenas Medical School, community-based activities begin in the first year and the health community agent (HCA), a member of the family health care team, act as a link between the school and the community.
To assess the first year community-based learning at Unifenas Medical School, Belo Horizonte, using biannual evaluation forms.
In the first year, the students are involved in 4-hour weekly supervised visits and workshops. They are attached to HCA that provide support to activities such as identification of social resources and health determinants, home visits, and organization of health promotion groups. The students have evaluated the activities in a positive way, highlighting their good interaction with the HCA and the great opportunity to see how the principles of primary care and the tools of family medicine are used in practice. The HCA have been satisfied with the activities and report feeling valued and supported in their routine activities.
Community-based learning with the participation of the HCA is rewarding for both students and HCA allowing teaching to occur deep inside the community, expanding the students compreehension of the sickening process and avoiding crowding of the health care units.
When conducting community-based activities we should think outside the traditional clinical setting and use professionals that are key to strenghten the link between the university and the community.