Abstract

DIAZ, Paula A et al. Education for health: perspectives and experiences in higher education in health sciences, Medellín, Colombia. Rev. Fac. Nac. Salud Pública [online]. 2010, vol.28, n.3, pp.221-230. ISSN 0120-386X.

OBJECTIVES: to know the current panorama of education for health (EFH) in some institutions of higher education that train health professionals in Medellín, Colombia, and furthermore, to promote academic discussions among professionals who are interested in EFH. METHODOLOGY: a qualitative research based on a multiple case study was conducted taking into account the specific cases of some higher education programs in health sciences in Medellín. Ethnographic techniques including individual and group interviews were utilized. RESULTS: EFH is currently facing quite a contradictory situation: first of all, its importance is highlighted but on the other hand, evidences suggest a limited development. Moreover, the EFH has an overlapping identity as it is mistaken for other fields, disciplines, programs and some other different kinds of health activities. A tension between conceptions of EFH aimed to behavior change based on traditional pedagogical models and other alternative points of view more focused in human development is identified. An uneven curriculum development was also found when different institutions were compared. Finally, poor research development was pointed out in EFH. CONCLUISIONES: EFH represents an important dimension of public health which becomes contradictory with the incipient development of this field and the prevailing traditional models of EFH as it is evidenced in this research. A predominant biomedical model focused in morbidity which is primarily present in the educational programs training health professionals and a poorly developed pedagogical approach in this field support the understanding of these findings.

Keywords : health education; qualitative research; higher education; health professions; health sciences; curriculum.

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