Bridging Theory and Care: Training Medical Students to Assess Bedridden Older Adults
Keywords: Medical Education; Home Care Services; Frail Older Adults; Primary Health Care.
Introduction: The accelerated process of population aging in Brazil, particularly in the North and Northeast regions, has generated increasing demands for care in Primary Health Care, especially for bedbound older adults. In this context, training medical students to provide evidence-based and humanized care in home-care settings is essential. Objective: To train undergraduate medical students through a course focused on the application of clinical and scientific assessment instruments for bedbound older adults and their family caregivers. Methodology: This qualitative action-research study involved undergraduate medical students from the Multicampi School of Medical Sciences of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (EMCM/UFRN) who participated in the “Ser-tão+ Cuidado” project. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in focus groups, in a private setting, with project participants. The interview guide was developed by the researcher. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, according to Bardin. The study was submitted to and approved by the Research Ethics Committee, ensuring confidentiality, anonymity, and the signing of the Informed Consent Form by all participants. Results: The findings showed that students broadened their understanding of home care for bedbound older adults, particularly regarding ethical and humanistic aspects, the complexity of the family context, and the social needs of caregivers. Greater confidence was also observed in the use of clinical and scientific assessment instruments during practical activities. The experience promoted the integration of theory and practice, highlighting the relevance of real-life settings in the learning process.