Health and Social Sciences working together in Community-Based Learning: Is this possible?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Community Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Medical education traditionally focuses on hospital-based settings.
• There is a growing need to integrate medical training with community health contexts.
• Community Based Learning (CBL) aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case study of a multiprofessional team's experience in a Community Based Learning Module.
• To demonstrate the integration of health teaching with community engagement in undergraduate medical education.
• To train physicians with a holistic vision, emphasizing social responsibility and citizenship.

Main Methods:

• Case study methodology focusing on a Community Based Learning Module in an undergraduate Medicine course.
• Implementation of active learning methodologies to foster student participation and knowledge construction.
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches integrating biological, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions.

Main Results:

• The CBL module successfully brought medical students closer to the community context and health users.
• Active learning methodologies facilitated student engagement in knowledge construction and content integration.
• The program promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, aligning with curriculum development goals.

Conclusions:

• Community Based Learning is an effective strategy for medical education, enhancing students' understanding of health contexts.
• Integrating diverse dimensions (biological, psychological, social, environmental) is crucial for holistic medical training.
• This approach fosters social responsibility and citizenship in future physicians.