Incubator distance courses: an experience within the FIOCRUZ and the possibility of an integrated education process for SUS

Abstract

It is challenging to provide training and continuing education for the participants in the UnifiedHealth System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) as well as to provide health education to thepopulation because of the difficulties in providing face-to-face training considering thecontinental-size of Brazil and because of the distinct needs of the participants. SUS includesnot only professionals with Master’s and / or PhD degrees but also auxiliary workers, healthsurveillance agents, caregivers, promoters, public health technicians, members of population-based organizations and NGOs dedicated to health-related activities. Distance learning (DL) iseffective for all levels and types of education, learning and training and provides anopportunity to address this challenge in critical regions and regions that are difficult to access.We described the process of creating an incubator for developing distance courses, whichsupport various formal and non-formal education initiatives that aim to increase the number ofvacancies and educational services and contribute to health promotion initiatives by offeringflexible hours and diverse methodologies and initiatives, educating and training workers andcitizens about the health system across the country. The experiment we reviewed hereincludes a reflection on the transformation in the educational process and the possible effectson SUS as integration increases.