The cycle system training in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Health at the Universidade Federal da Bahia and the Interprofessional Education proposal

The higher education system in the health sector is been constantly challenged these days by contemporary changes arising from new forms of organization and operationalization of a comprehensive health care approach to people’s health. This paper aims to analyze and discuss alternatives to academic training in health, starting with the experience of the partial implementation of the cycle system modality at the Universidade Federal da Bahia. It clarifies how, based on humanistic, aesthetic, and scientific principles, the Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Health (BIS) offers an interdisciplinary training during the first cycle, which enables students to become better prepared for the current configuration of the labor market in the different health sectors. We argue that this collaborative approach also helps students to develop competencies and skills necessary for a better integrated, comprehensive health care, preparing them to work in interdisciplinary teams. We also discuss the proposal of Interprofessional Education (IPE) as a more effective option during the second cycle of training, suggesting its inclusion at this stage as a logical follow-up.

Key words:
Higher Education; Human resources development; Health