Effectiveness of education at work in a health program: a strategy for vocational training and lifelong learning

Abstract

A cross-sectional study investigated the effectiveness of an education at work in health program in a Brazilian federal university, by sending an electronic questionnaire to 553 active and former participants (80.5% participation). Means of approximately 3.00 (scale from zero to 4.00) for program’s clarity of purpose, suitability of process, and impact, indicated that the program was largely effective. Clarity of purpose was greater among preceptors and mentors when compared to students. The program’s impact was perceived as greater by the students when compared to the lifelong learning of preceptors and mentors, and by females. Building the capacity of preceptors and mentors for education at work in the Brazil’s national health system could advance the effectiveness of the program.