Education And Health Services: Evaluating Professional Training [educação E Serviços De Saúde: Avaliando A Capacitação Dos Profissionais.]

This paper analyzes the results of a follow-up study and evaluation of the Specialization Course in Public Health administered from 1993 to 1995 by the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at the School of Medical Sciences, Universidade de Campinas, Brazil. The study was conducted during the course and with a follow-up several months later. Students reported on their professional activities, difficulties and facilities in performing them, and their commitment to the public health services in which they worked. They also expounded on their needs and expectations regarding specialized training in public health. At the end of the required course load (first semester) and the optional courses (second semester), students evaluated the course content's relevance, their own understanding, and the strengths and weaknesses of the respective teaching strategies. Finally, six and eight months after the courses, the professionals evaluated how they were able to apply their new knowledge to their work. Various research instruments were used, including group dynamics, individual questionnaires, and focal groups, comprising a broad methodological approach. A single sample of individuals was thus studied at different moments with regard to this experience.15 Suppl 2152