The graduate course on Activation of Change in Higher Education for Health Professionals, launched in 2005, triggered numerous processes of change. However, few activated changes are shared with the scientific community. The current article analyzes difficulties and strategies experienced by alumni of the activation course in Paraná State, Brazil, during the implementation of changes in their local and regional settings. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology with thematic analysis as proposed by Bardin. The sources were secondary data from course monographs and primary data from semi-structured interviews with the monograph authors, which were characterized as action plans. Of the 57 Paraná alumni, 25 sent their monographs and 21 were interviewed. The analysis revealed structural, methodological, administrative, financial, and mainly human difficulties. Informative, motivational, and persuasive strategies proved efficient for overcoming various barriers. Since these difficulties and strategies were unveiled, they can be considered in the organization of future plans for change, thereby increasing the odds of the proposal's success.
Health Education; Health Manpower; Health Policy; Continuing Education in Health