What the study found
The PET-Health interprofessional education program was reported to foster teamwork among participants. Students and preceptors described improved communication with other professionals, fewer stereotypes, and a better understanding of the roles of different healthcare workers.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors state that interprofessional education is fundamental to training health professionals and should be included in curriculum guidelines, pedagogical programs, and public health policies. They also conclude that it is important for student training and professional development.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted an exploratory qualitative study using narratives from students and preceptors in an interprofessional PET-Health program at the University Center of Valença in Brazil. They analyzed the narratives with IRaMuTeQ software from a phenomenological perspective.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis included 25 narratives, with 272 of 321 text segments retained, and four classes emerged. The results highlighted clearer professional roles, reduced stereotypes, stronger communication, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, adaptations such as remote health education, and the importance of community-based teaching and preceptors as mediators.
What to keep in mind
The study is based on narratives from one program at one institution, so its scope is limited. The abstract also notes that longitudinal studies are needed to assess the impact of interprofessional education on population health outcomes.
Key points
- Participants reported improved communication with other professionals.
- The program was described as reducing stereotypes and clarifying professional roles.
- COVID-19 disrupted in-person activities and led to remote health education strategies.
- Community-based teaching was described as supporting collaborative competencies.
- Preceptors were described as playing a central mediating role.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- PET-Health participants reported stronger collaboration and clearer roles
- Authors:
- Marcela Pereira Oliveira, Renata A. Kobayashi, Milton Arruda Martins, Patrícia Zen Tempski, Fernanda Magalhães Arantes-Costa
- Institutions:
- Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic, Fundação Educacional D. André Arcoverde, Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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