Analysis of professional training in Multiprofessional Health Residency Programs in Brazil from the perspective of residents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze professional training in multiprofessional health residency programs (MHRPs) in primary care from the perspective of residents from 20 programs who had completed residency in the period 2015-2019. We undertook a cross-sectional study analyzing criteria in the dimensions Pedagogical Approach and In-Service Education Settings responded using a 10-point Likert scale. The study sample consisted of 365 graduates from MHRPs in 12 Brazilian states. The highest-scoring criteria in the dimension Pedagogical Approach (Cronbach’s α=0.94) were broad concept of care and professional training oriented towards comprehensive care (P50=10). The lowest scoring criteria were those involving preceptorship (P50=7). With regard to the In-Service Education Settings dimension (Cronbach’s α=0.90), the main strength was group educational activities (P50=9) and the main weaknesses were adequacy of the physical structure of health facilities (P50=6), participation of residents in local health committees (P50=6), and coordination with medical residency programs (P50=5). The findings show that professional training in MHRPs is aligned with the principles and guidelines underpinning Brazil’s public health system, with emphasis on comprehensiveness and prevention. However, efforts are needed to improve preceptor training and address weaknesses in practice settings.