Abstract

LIMA, Josiane Vivian Camargo de et al. Continuing Education in Health as a pedagogical strategy to transform the practice: possibilities and limits. Trab. educ. saúde [online]. 2010, vol.8, n.2, pp. 207-227. ISSN 1981-7746.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1981-77462010000200003.

To contribute to transforming professional practices, we created a distance learning course for Continuing Education in Health facilitators. Upwards of 150 professionals from Londrina took part in the course. This study aims to examine the contributions of this course from the participants' perspective. This is a quantitative and qualitative survey, and data were collected from focus groups and semistructured interviews. The focus group discussions and interviews were taped and transcribed, and the closed questions processed using the Epi Info software. The results indicate that the course allowed the deployment of collective spaces for reflection on practices and drove team integration. The facilities and difficulties involved securing space, time, material and support, but motivation, interest and participation were also highlighted. It is concluded that a contribution was made to a more humane, welcoming practice among both management and care health professionals.

Keywords : health education; training; human resources.