Knowledge and expertise from traditional universities for the development of Open University of Brazilian National Health System (UNA-SUS) distance courses

This study was developed in the context of the Open University of the Brazilian National Health System (UNA-SUS), an inter-institutional network model established between the health policy managerial department and educational institutions to develop distance education initiatives directed to the health workforce. Content analysis was performed on semi-structured interviews with qualified informants in four institutions, selected for the study. It aimed to identify how the educational demands of the Health System may mobilize knowledge coming from universities. The results show that team building processes are set up for distance learning courses development, influenced by pre-existing programs, that leverage the mobilization and cooperation of university units of host institutions in response to the demand for the health workforce education.

Knowledge mobilization; Distance education; Health education; Permanent education in health; Distance courses development