Prevalence of COVID-19 in medical school and residency in Porto Alegre, RS.

OBJECTIVE: A multicentric, cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Coronavirus disease 2019 in medical students and residents from four universities and affiliated hospitals in Brazil. METHODS: A survey about contamination risk and symptoms was sent to all participants through email and WhatsApp. Prevalence was measured by the self-report of positive polymerase chain reaction or serological test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. RESULTS: Prevalence of infection by Sars-CoV-2 was 14.9% (151/1011). The disease was more prevalent in residents and interns than in undergraduate students. Contact with an infected relative outside the hospital or with colleagues without using personal protective equipment was associated with higher contamination. Contact with patients without wearing goggles and higher weekly frequency of contact were the two factors independently associated with the infection by Coronavirus disease 2019 in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students, interns, and residents have a higher prevalence of Coronavirus disease 2019 than the general population, in which the last two groups are significantly at higher risk. Contacting patients at a higher weekly frequency increases the risk for infection. The use of goggles should be reinforced when contacting patients.

Prevalence of COVID-19 in medical school and residency in Porto Alegre, RS

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: A multicentric, cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Coronavirus disease 2019 in medical students and residents from four universities and affiliated hospitals in Brazil. METHODS: A survey about contamination risk and symptoms was sent to all participants through email and WhatsApp. Prevalence was measured by the self-report of positive polymerase chain reaction or serological test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. RESULTS: Prevalence of infection by Sars-CoV-2 was 14.9% (151/1011). The disease was more prevalent in residents and interns than in undergraduate students. Contact with an infected relative outside the hospital or with colleagues without using personal protective equipment was associated with higher contamination. Contact with patients without wearing goggles and higher weekly frequency of contact were the two factors independently associated with the infection by Coronavirus disease 2019 in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students, interns, and residents have a higher prevalence of Coronavirus disease 2019 than the general population, in which the last two groups are significantly at higher risk. Contacting patients at a higher weekly frequency increases the risk for infection. The use of goggles should be reinforced when contacting patients.

Medical students' perceptions and motivations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: There has been a rapid increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 in Latin America, Africa, Asia and many countries that have an insufficient number of physicians and other health care personnel, and the need for the inclusion of medical students on health teams is a very important issue. It has been recommended that medical students work as volunteers, undergo appropriate training, not undertake any activity beyond their level of competence, and receive continuous supervision and adequate personal protective equipment. However, the motivation of medical students must be evaluated to make volunteering a more evidence-based initiative. The aim of our study was to evaluate the motivation of medical students to be part of health teams to aid in the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We developed a questionnaire specifically to evaluate medical students' perceptions about participating in the care of patients with suspected infection with coronavirus during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire had two parts: a) one part with questions on individual characteristics, year in medical school and geographic location of the medical school and b) a second part with twenty-eight statements assessed on a 5-point Likert scale (totally agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree and totally disagree). To develop the questionnaire, we performed consensus meetings with a group of faculty and medical students. The questionnaire was sent to student organizations of 257 medical schools in Brazil and answered by 10,433 students. We used multinomial logistic regression models to analyze the data. Statements associated with greater odds ratios for participation of medical students in the COVID-19 pandemic were related to a sense of purpose or duty ("It is the duty of the medical student to put himself or herself at the service of the population in the pandemic"), altruism ("I am willing to take risks by participating in practice in the context of the pandemic"), and perception of good performance and professional identity ("I will be a better health professional for having experienced the pandemic"). Males were more prone than females to believe that only interns should participate in the care of patients with COVID-19 (odds ratio 1.36 [coefficient interval 95%:1.24-1.49]) and that all students should participate (OR 1.68 [CI:1.4-1.91]). CONCLUSIONS: Medical students are more motivated by a sense of purpose or duty, altruism, perception of good performance and values of professionalism than by their interest in learning. These results have implications for the development of volunteering programs and the design of health force policies in the present pandemic and in future health emergencies.

Mapping of medical schools: the distribution of undergraduate courses and annual vacancies in Brazilian cities in 2020 / Cartografia das escolas médicas: a distribuição de cursos e vagas nos municípios brasileiros em 2020

Abstract: Introduction: The number of medical schools in Brazil, as well as the number of vacancies offered at these schools, has grown considerably in the last few years. Since 2013, this increasehas aimedat reaching especially the rural and underserved areas of the country. Objective: Considering that there are many different interests concerning this debate and that this reality directly influences the education and health policies of the country, the aim of this study was to evaluate the number and the distribution of the medical courses,as well as vacancies in these schools in 2020, presenting an updated overview of the Brazilian medical schools. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, based on data gathered from the Brazilian Ministry ofEducation and Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) website. The utilized variables were the number of courses, number of vacancies offered in each course, characteristics of the cities where the medical schools are located, such as population size, Human Development Index (HDI) and distance to the capital city of each state. Results: Among the institutions that have already initiated their activities, there are 328 active courses, offering 35.480 vacancies for Medical School applicants. There is a difference when analyzing public or private institutions and paid or tuition-free institutions. There is a greater offer of paid courses (74,1%) and of courses located in the countryside (69,8%). Among the courses in the countryside, 27,8% of the vacancies are offered within 100 km of the capital city. Only 7,9% of the annual vacancies are offered in cities with a medium HDI, and the remainder are offered in cities with high or very high HDI. The increase in HDI is related to the higher proportion of private courses offering medical vacancies. It was observed that there is no correspondence between the absolute number of vacancies and the population of the North region, differentfrom what occurs in the other regions of the country. Conclusions: Medical training is under many influences, such as economic and political trends. This discussion needs to consider the regionalization and democratization of access. It was observed that public institutions tend to be located in municipalities that are farther away from the capitals. Even though there is now greater homogeneity between the regions, the Southeast still concentrates almost half of the vacancies in medical courses. Also, the increase in the number of vacancies in private courses brings up the reflection about the socioeconomic profile of medical students who have the opportunity to gain access to this level of education.

Resumo: Introdução: O número de cursos de Medicina no Brasil e a quantidade de vagas ofertadas cresceram consideravelmente nos últimos anos. A partir de 2013, essa expansão tinha o objetivo de atingir sobretudo o interior do país. Objetivo: Considerando que existem diversos interesses em torno dessa expansão e que essa realidade influencia diretamente as políticas de educação e saúde do país, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a quantidade e a distribuição, em 2020, desses cursos e vagas nos municípios brasileiros. Método: Trata-se de estudo transversal com dados disponibilizados pelo Ministério da Educação e pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). As variáveis estudadas foram números de cursos, número de vagas e características dos municípios das escolas médicas, como tamanho da população, Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) e distância em relação à capital do respectivo estado. Resultados: Há 328 cursos em atividade que ofertam 35.480 vagas para ingressantes em Medicina. Ocorre diferença quando se analisam instituições públicas ou privadas e instituições gratuitas ou pagas. Há maior oferta de vagas em cursos pagos (74,1%) e em municípios de interior (69,8%). No interior, 27,8% das vagas são ofertadas por municípios distantes de um a 100 km da capital. A menor parte das vagas (7,9%) é ofertada em municípios de IDH médio, sendo o restante em municípios de IDH alto ou muito alto. O aumento do IDH está relacionado à maior proporção de cursos privados ofertando vagas de Medicina. Observou-se que não há correspondência entre o número absoluto de vagas e a população da Região Norte, o que ocorre nas demais regiões do país. Conclusões: A formação médica está sob várias influências, a exemplo das tendências econômicas e políticas. Essa discussão precisa levar em consideração a regionalização e a democratização do acesso. Observou-se tendência de as instituições públicas se destinarem a municípios mais distantes. Apesar de maior homogeneidade entre as regiões, a Região Sudeste ainda concentra quase metade das vagas. Além disso, o aumento do número de vagas em cursos privados evoca o questionamento sobre o perfil de estudantes que têm a oportunidade de acessar essa graduação.

Inclusion of health care for people with disabilities in Brazilian undergraduate medical education / Inclusão do cuidado com a saúde das pessoas com deficiência nos currículos de medicina do Brasil

Abstract: Introduction: In Brazil, official data estimate there are 45.6 million people with some type of disability and legislation establishes that medical schools should prepare future professionals for the essential care for people with disabilities (PWD). Health disparities faced by PWD are due, among other factors, to inadequate access to healthcare and poor training of professionals to deal with these situations. Objective: To identify the presence of aspects related to PWD healthcare in the curricula of medical courses in Brazil. Method: A documentary analysis of curricula and syllabuses was performed and included research in websites of 328 medical courses (42% public and 58% private) authorized by the Brazilian Ministry of Education. The Brazilian National Curricular Guidelines (NCG) were adopted as a theoretical framework (Brazil, 2014). The classification considered was: Class I - minimum attendance of the pedagogical project to the recommendations on care for PWD, due to the strict transcription of the NCG text and Class II - inclusion in the syllabus and programmatic content of the reference curricular components to the development of specifically related clinical skills to the health care of the PWD, including communication, clinical examination skills and ethical aspects. Results: Documents from 171 courses were available for analysis and the inclusion of aspects related to PWD healthcare was identified in 89 courses (52%). This inclusion was more prevalent in public courses (n=56; 62,9%) than in private ones. The inclusion of the teaching of the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) was observed In 50 courses (29.2%). The curricular contents were predominantly focused on the Class I (n=80;89,9%) with an absolute lack of description of the procedural strategies to promote the development of clinical competencies related to PWD care. Conclusion: Our study reinforces the need to improve this approach in medical school curricula since providers can play an essential role in mitigating health disparities faced by PWD through competent care. In the Brazilian context, our data point out to a dramatic situation consistent with the invisibility of PWD issues; a need for the development and implementation of PWD-specific educational curricula.

Resumo: Introdução: No Brasil, estima-se que haja 45,6 milhões de pessoas com alguma deficiência. As disparidades de saúde enfrentadas pelas pessoas com deficiência (PCD) decorrem, entre outros fatores, do acesso inadequado aos cuidados de saúde e da formação deficiente dos profissionais para lidar com essas situações. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a presença de aspectos relacionados com a atenção à saúde das PCD nos currículos dos cursos de Medicina do Brasil. Método: Foi realizada análise documental dos projetos pedagógicos dos cursos, dos currículos, das ementas de componentes curriculares e dos conteúdos programáticos, incluindo pesquisas em sites de 328 cursos de Medicina (42% públicos e 58% privados) autorizados pelo Ministério da Educação. As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) do Curso de Graduação em Medicina foram adotadas como referencial teórico. A classificação considerada foi: classe I - atendimento mínimo do projeto pedagógico às recomendações sobre o cuidado para PCD, pela estrita transcrição do texto das DCN, e classe II - inclusão nas ementas e nos conteúdos programáticos dos componentes curriculares de atividades voltadas ao desenvolvimento de competências clínicas especificamente relacionadas ao cuidado destinado à saúde das PCD, incluindo comunicação, exame clínico e aspectos éticos. Resultado: Documentos de 171 cursos estavam disponíveis para análise adequada. Desse total, em 89 cursos (52%) foi identificada a inclusão de aspectos relacionados ao cuidado com PCD, sendo mais prevalente nos cursos públicos (n = 56; 62,9%). Em 50 (29,2%) cursos, observou-se a inclusão do ensino da Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras). Os conteúdos curriculares identificados foram predominantemente focados na classe I (n = 80; 89,9%), com absoluta falta de descrição das estratégias processuais para promover o desenvolvimento de competências clínicas relacionadas ao cuidado para PCD. Conclusão: No contexto brasileiro, os dados apontam para uma situação dramática no que se refere à invisibilidade das questões relativas às PCD na formação médica e para a necessidade de desenvolvimento e implementação de estratégias educacionais especificamente voltadas para o cuidado com as PCD nos currículos médicos. O estudo reforça o papel essencial do cuidado competente destinado à saúde das PCD como estratégia que visa à mitigação das iniquidades de saúde enfrentadas por essas pessoas.

Expansão de vagas e qualidade dos cursos de Medicina no Brasil: Em que pé estamos? / Expansion of vacancies and quality of medical courses in Brazil: Where do we stand?

Resumo: Introdução: A educação médica no Brasil vem enfrentando um importante processo de expansão. Essa realidade foi fortemente influenciada por programas e políticas educacionais implementados principalmente nas últimas décadas. Objetivo: O estudo teve como objetivo traçar um panorama da formação e da avaliação dos cursos de graduação em Medicina no contexto nacional. Método: Foi realizada uma pesquisa documental e descritiva, de abordagem quantitativa. O levantamento de dados ocorreu por meio de dados provenientes da Sistemática de Avaliação Nacional da Educação Superior do Ministério da Educação disponibilizado pelo Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira, órgão que coordena e gerencia dados relativos aos processos de regulação, avaliação e supervisão da educação superior no sistema federal de educação. Foram analisados 20 anos de oferta de cursos de Medicina no Brasil (2000-2019). Resultados: No período em estudo, o número de escolas médicas apresentou um crescimento de 214,9%. No total, analisaram-se 337 cursos de graduação em Medicina em atividade vinculados a instituições de ensino superior públicas (35%) e privadas (65%), perfazendo 34.585 vagas anuais ofertadas. Os cursos estão distribuídos nas 27 unidades federativas brasileiras, com maior e menor concentração de vagas e escolas médicas nas Regiões Sudeste e Norte, respectivamente. A média nacional do número de vagas/ano foi de 1.280,9 vagas/ano e da razão vagas/habitantes foi de 16,5 vagas/100 mil habitantes. A maioria dos cursos obteve conceito três nos indicadores de qualidade propostos pelo Ministério da Educação. Conclusão: O ensino da Medicina no Brasil vem passando por importante processo de expansão, e este é fundamentalmente privado e mal distribuído pelo país, e apresenta indicadores de qualidade mínimos para manutenção do seu funcionamento.

Abstract: Introduction: Medical education in Brazil is facing an important expansion process. This reality has been strongly influenced by educational programs and policies implemented mainly in the last few decades. Objective: The study aimed to provide an overview of the formation and evaluation of undergraduate medical courses in the national context. Method: A documentary and descriptive study was conducted, with a quantitative approach. Data was collected from the National Higher Education Assessment System of the Ministry of Education, made available by the Anísio Teixeira National Institute of Educational Studies and Research, the body that coordinates and manages data related to the regulation, evaluation and supervision processes of higher education in the federal education system. Twenty years of medical courses offered in Brazil (2000-2019) were analyzed. Results: In the period under study, the number of Medical Schools grew by 214.9%. In total, 337 active undergraduate medicine courses linked to public (35%) and private (65%) higher education institutions were analyzed, totaling 34,585 annual vacancies offered. The courses are distributed in the 27 Brazilian federative units, with a higher and lower concentration of places and Medical Schools in the Southeast and North regions, respectively. The national average number of vacancies/year was 1280.9 vacancies/year and the vacancy/inhabitants ratio was 16.5 vacancies/100 thousand inhabitants. Most of the courses obtained a grade three in the quality indicators proposed by the Ministry of Education. Conclusion: It was concluded that: i) the teaching of Medicine in Brazil has been going through an important expansion process, ii) that it is fundamentally private, iii) poorly distributed throughout the country, and iv) it presents minimum quality indicators for maintaining its operation.

Modelo de oficinas de qualificação em Aprendizagem Baseada em Equipes com docentes de Medicina / A model for qualification workshops in team-based learning with medicine teachers

Resumo: Introdução: A Aprendizagem Baseada em Equipes (ABE) tem se mostrado, em todo o mundo, uma ferramenta pedagógica promissora nas mais diversas realidades, ao estimular o autoaprendizado do aluno e potencializar a habilidade de trabalhar em equipe. Todavia, são escassos os estudos que envolvam a qualificação de docentes para a prática dessas atividades. Objetivo: Dessa forma, o presente estudo objetivou relatar um modelo de oficina de qualificação docente em ABE e a avaliação feita pelos participantes acerca da metodologia empregada, com docentes do curso de Medicina de uma instituição privada de ensino superior de Belém, no Pará. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa-ação intervencionista realizada por meio de questionários elaborados pelos próprios dos autores para avaliar a satisfação, as críticas e as recomendações dos docentes acerca das oficinas propostas. Resultados: Percebeu-se que 81,2% dos participantes atribuíram "satisfação máxima" às oficinas e os demais as classificaram como "satisfatórias". Dessa forma, houve aprovação da técnica empregada por todos os docentes. Quando indagados sobre os pontos negativos nas oficinas, os mais citados foram: horários e dias escolhidos (18,7%); pouco tempo para estudo individual (15,6%); deslocamento, carga horária extensa e falhas no convite para inscrição nas oficinas (12,5%). Quando questionados sobre os pontos positivos, os mais citados foram: utilizar a própria ABE para ensinar ABE (93,7%); qualidade dos artigos escolhidos para estudo prévio (87,5%); e alta aplicabilidade prática (81,2%). Por fim, 93,7% dos participantes referiram se sentir confiantes para conduzir atividades de ABE em suas práticas diárias. Conclusão: Os participantes demonstraram boa aceitação e satisfação com relação à metodologia empregada nas oficinas, permitindo assim que possam aplicar essa estratégia de ensino com maior segurança e assertividade em suas rotinas diárias. Espera-se que este trabalho possa contribuir para a aprendizagem sobre essa estratégia educacional e descomplicar e tornar acessível a sua aplicação, para assim estimular docentes e instituições não familiarizados com a ABE a introduzir essa valiosa ferramenta em suas matrizes pedagógicas.

Abstract: Introduction: Team-Based Learning (TBL) has proven to be a promising pedagogical tool in the most diverse realities around the world, stimulating student self-learning and enhancing the ability to work in teams. However, there are few studies involving the qualification of teachers to practice these activities. Objective: Thus, the present study aimed to report a model of a teacher qualification workshop in TBL and the evaluation made by the participants about the methodology used, with teachers of the medical course of a private higher education institution in Belém/PA/Brazil. Method: This was an interventionist action research conducted through questionnaires by the authors to assess teacher satisfaction, criticisms and recommendations about the proposed workshops. Results: It was found that 81.2% of the participants rated the workshops as providing "maximum satisfaction" and the rest classified them as "satisfactory". Thus, all the teachers approved of the technique used. When asked about the negative points in the workshops, the most frequently cited were: selected times and days (18.7%); little time for individual study (15.6%); and commuting, extensive workload and failures in the invitation to enroll in the workshops (12.5% each item). On the other hand, when asked about the positive points, the most frequently cited were: using the TBL itself to teach TBL (93.7%); quality of the articles chosen for previous study (87.5%); and high practical applicability (81.2%). Finally, 93.7% of the participants reported feeling confident to conduct TBL activities in their daily practices. Conclusion: In this and the vast majority of studies with TBL, the participants demonstrated good acceptance and satisfaction regarding the methodology used in the workshops, thus allowing them to apply this teaching strategy with greater security and assertiveness in their daily routines. It is hoped that this work can contribute to learning about this educational strategy and that it can simplify its application and enhance its accessibility, in order to stimulate teachers and institutions unfamiliar with TBL to introduce this valuable tool in their activities.

Inclusion of palliative care teaching in medical schools in Brazil / Cuidados paliativos: inserção do ensino nas escolas médicas do Brasil

Abstract: Introduction: The palliative care (PC) approach is a care modality recommended by the World Health Organization. Suffering and the process of dying are present in everyday clinical practice, affecting people with life-threatening diseases. However, the predominant model of teaching in Brazilian medical schools does not include palliative care. Objectives: The aim of the study was to get to know the Brazilian medical schools that include PC in their curriculum, and how it has been taught. Methods: Descriptive and exploratory study, carried out by searching for medical schools with disciplines in PC, through the analysis of the course syllabi available in the curricular matrices on the official websites of higher education institutions from August to December 2018. They were analyzed considering the offered period of the PC content, workload, scenario, and type of discipline (elective or mandatory). Results: 315 schools registered with the Ministry of Education were found, and only 44 of them (14%) offer courses in PC. These schools are distributed throughout 11 Brazilian states, of which 52% are located in the Southeast region, 25% in the Northeast, 18% in the South, 5% in the Midwest, and none in the North region. The predominant modality of the type of discipline in PC was mandatory in 61% of schools. Most Brazilian medical schools are private entities (57%), a similar percentage to the total number of medical schools identified with the teaching of PC. This course takes place in the 3rd and 4th years of the course; in most schools, the workload was 46,9 hours. The predominant scenario is the classroom, while some institutions provide integration between teaching community service and medical practice. The program contents are diverse, including thanatology, geriatrics and finitude, humanization, bioethics, pain, oncology and chronic diseases. Conclusion: PC education in Brazil is insufficient, which represents a barrier to the training of doctors in line with the recommendations of international entities, the National Curriculum Guidelines and legal frameworks within the scope of SUS. Investments by medical entities and government agencies are necessary to increase teaching in PC and the consequent qualification of medical training.

Resumo: Introdução: Abordagem em cuidados paliativos (CP) é uma modalidade assistencial recomendada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. O sofrimento e o processo de morrer estão presentes no cotidiano da prática clínica, acometendo pessoas portadoras de doenças ameaçadoras à vida. Entretanto, o currículo predominante das escolas médicas brasileiras não inclui o ensino de CP. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivos conhecer os cursos de Medicina brasileiros que incluem CP em sua grade curricular e verificar de que forma estes vêm sendo ministrados. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo descritivo e exploratório realizado por meio da busca de cursos de Medicina com disciplinas de CP nos sítios virtuais oficiais das instituições de ensino superior, no período de agosto a dezembro de 2018, e da análise das ementas disponíveis nas matrizes curriculares, no que diz respeito ao período oferecido, à carga horária, ao cenário e ao tipo de disciplina, se eletiva ou obrigatória. Resultados: Das 315 escolas de Medicina cadastradas no Ministério da Educação, apenas 44 cursos de Medicina (14%) dispõem de disciplina de CP. Esses cursos estão distribuídos em 11 estados brasileiros, 52% estão na Região Sudeste, 25% na Região Nordeste, 18% na Região Sul, 5% na Região Centro-Oeste, e nenhum na Região Norte. A modalidade predominante do tipo de disciplina foi obrigatória em 61% das escolas. Em relação à natureza, 57% são entidades privadas, percentual semelhante ao total de escolas médicas brasileiras. A disciplina ocorre no terceiro e quarto anos do curso, na maioria das instituições, e a carga horária mediana foi 46,9 horas. O cenário predominantemente é a sala de aula, e algumas instituições proporcionam a integração ensino-serviço-comunidade e prática médica. Os conteúdos programáticos são variados, incluindo tanatologia, geriatria, senescência e finitude, humanização, bioética, dor, oncologia e doenças crônicas. Conclusão: O ensino de CP no Brasil é escasso, o que representa uma barreira à formação de médicos em consonância com as recomendações das entidades internacionais, das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacional e de marcos legais no âmbito do SUS. Fazem-se necessários investimentos das entidades médicas e dos organismos governamentais para a ampliação do ensino de CP e a consequente qualificação da formação médica.

Characteristics among six generations of medicine graduates.

BACKGROUND: Medical graduates follow-up programs allow the improvement of the curriculum of the Medicine career. Through identifying opportunity areas and strengthening points, institutions become increasingly competitive. OBJECTIVE: Identify the socio-demographic, formative, labor insertion and satisfaction characteristics among six generations of graduates of the Medical School of the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (2004-2009). METHOD: It is a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, comparative study integrating the answers of mailed electronic questionnaires to 5295 graduates who concluded studies between 2004 and 2009. Descriptive and inferential techniques were used for analysis. RESULTS: An upward trend in the number of years to conclude the career was identified and an increase in failed assignments in the last three generations. Noticeable was also that, as time went by, the incorporation of physicians into the labor market was slower. Although the percentage of general unemployment was very low (2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: There are no major changes in the characteristics of the Medicine graduates. Although it is necessary to identify the reason for the increased in failed assignments which affects the length of completion. Further improvement in Research and Social Medicine programs are to be considered.

ANTECEDENTES: Los programas de seguimiento de egresados permiten mejorar los programas y el currículo de la carrera de Medicina, identificando las áreas de oportunidad y haciendo más competitivas a las instituciones educativas. OBJETIVO: Identificar las características sociodemográficas, formativas, de inserción laboral y de satisfacción, en seis generaciones de egresados de la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (2004-2009). MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo y comparativo, con 5295 egresados de la carrera de Medicina que concluyeron entre 2004 y 2009. Se envió un cuestionario por correo electrónico a cada uno de los egresados y se analizaron los resultados mediante técnicas descriptivas e inferenciales. RESULTADOS: Se observó un incremento en el número de años para concluir la carrera y un aumento en el número de materias reprobadas en las últimas tres generaciones. Además, hubo mayor lentitud en la inserción laboral en el mismo periodo, aunque el porcentaje de desempleo general fue muy bajo (2.9%). CONCLUSIONES: No hay cambios en la caracterización de los egresados respecto a generaciones anteriores; no obstante, será fundamental identificar las causas del incremento en el número de materias reprobadas que está afectando la eficiencia terminal, además de mejorar los programas de investigación epidemiológica y socio-médica.

Medical schools in Brasil: population, economic and historical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current distribution and historical evolution of undergraduate courses in medicine in Brasil. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study of secondary data. Through the Ministry of Education, the data of the medical courses were obtained, and through the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the population and economic data of the Brazilian states were obtained. RESULTS: In Brasil, there were 298 medical courses (1,42 courses / million inhabitants) in January 2018, totaling 31,126 vacancies per year, with 9,217 gratuitous vacancies (29.6%) and 17,963 vacancies in the hinterland (57, 7%). In Brazilian states, there are positive and statistically significant (p <0.001) correlations of the variables: "vacancies" and "population" (R 0.92); "vacancies" and "gross domestic product" ("GDP") (R 0.83); "percentage of vacancies in the hinterland" and "population in the hinterland" (R 0.71) and "percentage of vacancies in the hinterland" and "GDP" (R 0.64). There was a negative and statistically significant correlation between "gratuitous vacancy percentage" and "GDP" (R -0.54, p = 0.003). More paid courses than gratuitous courses and more courses in the hinterland than in the capitals have been created since 1964, in proportions that have remained similar since then, but in higher numbers since 2002. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of medical courses in Brasil correlates with the population and economical production of each state. The expansion of Brazilian medical education, which has been accelerated since 2002, is based mainly on paid courses in the hinterland, in the same pattern since 1964.

How many and which physicians? A comparative study of the evolution of the supply of physicians and specialist training in Brazil and Spain.

BACKGROUND: In the face of the medical workforce shortage, several countries have promoted the opening of medical schools and the expansion of undergraduate and specialization education in medicine. Few studies have compared the characteristics and effects of expanding the supply of general practitioners and specialist physicians between countries. Brazil and Spain, two countries with distinct historical processes and socioeconomic scenarios, yet both with universal public health systems and common aspects in training and medical work, have registered a significant increase in the number of physicians and can be used to understand the challenges of strategic planning for the medical workforce. METHODS: This study provides a descriptive approach using longitudinal data from official databases in Brazil and Spain from 1998 to 2017. Among the comparable indicators, the absolute numbers of physicians, the population size, and the physician's ratio by inhabitants were used. The number of medical schools and undergraduate places in public and private institutions, the supply of residency training posts, and the number of medical specialists and medical residents per 100 000 inhabitants were also used to compare both countries. Seventeen medical specialties with the highest number of specialists and comparability between the two countries were selected for further comparison. RESULTS: Due to the opening of medical schools, the density of physicians per 1 000 inhabitants grew by 28% in Spain and 51% in Brazil between 1998 and 2017. In that period, Spain and Brazil increased the supply of annual undergraduate places by 60% and 137%, respectively. There is a predominance of private institutions providing available undergraduate places, and the supply of medical residency posts is smaller than the contingent of medical graduates/general practitioners each year. CONCLUSION: Both countries have similar specialist densities in cardiology, dermatology, and neurosurgery specialties. However, family medicine and community in Spain has 91.27 specialists per 100 000 inhabitants, while in Brazil, the density is only 2.64. The comparative study indicated the complexity of the countries' decisions on increasing the medical supply of general practitioners and specialist physicians. Research and planning policies on the medical workforce must be aligned with the actual health needs of populations and health systems.

Medical schools in Brasil: population, economic and historical analysis

SUMMARY BACKGROUND To describe the current distribution and historical evolution of undergraduate courses in medicine in Brasil. METHODS Analytical cross-sectional study of secondary data. Through the Ministry of Education, the data of the medical courses were obtained, and through the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the population and economic data of the Brazilian states were obtained. RESULTS In Brasil, there were 298 medical courses (1,42 courses / million inhabitants) in January 2018, totaling 31,126 vacancies per year, with 9,217 gratuitous vacancies (29.6%) and 17,963 vacancies in the hinterland (57, 7%). In Brazilian states, there are positive and statistically significant (p <0.001) correlations of the variables: "vacancies" and "population" (R 0.92); "vacancies" and "gross domestic product" ("GDP") (R 0.83); "percentage of vacancies in the hinterland" and "population in the hinterland" (R 0.71) and "percentage of vacancies in the hinterland" and "GDP" (R 0.64). There was a negative and statistically significant correlation between "gratuitous vacancy percentage" and "GDP" (R -0.54, p = 0.003). More paid courses than gratuitous courses and more courses in the hinterland than in the capitals have been created since 1964, in proportions that have remained similar since then, but in higher numbers since 2002. CONCLUSIONS The distribution of medical courses in Brasil correlates with the population and economical production of each state. The expansion of Brazilian medical education, which has been accelerated since 2002, is based mainly on paid courses in the hinterland, in the same pattern since 1964.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever a distribuição e evolução histórica das vagas em cursos de graduação em medicina no Brasil. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal analítico de dados secundários. No Ministério da Educação obtiveram-se dados dos cursos de medicina e no Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística foram obtidos dados populacionais e econômicos dos estados. RESULTADOS Havia no Brasil, até janeiro de 2018, 298 cursos de medicina (1,42 curso/milhão de habitantes), totalizando 31.126 vagas anuais, com 9.217 vagas gratuitas (29,6%) e 17.963 vagas no interior do País (57,7%). Nos estados há correlações positivas e significativas (p<0,001) das variáveis: "vagas em medicina" e "população" (R 0,92); "vagas em medicina" e "produto interno bruto" ("PIB") (R 0,83); "percentual de vagas em medicina no interior" e "população no interior" (R 0,71) e "percentual de vagas em medicina no interior" e "PIB" (R 0,64). Há correlação negativa e significativa entre "percentual de vagas gratuitas" e "PIB" (R -0,54, p=0,003). Passaram a ser criados mais cursos pagos do que gratuitos e mais cursos no interior do que nas capitais a partir de 1964 (p <0,001), e a relação curso/milhão de habitantes aumentou a partir de 2002 (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES A distribuição de vagas em cursos de medicina no Brasil correlaciona-se à população e à produção econômica de cada estado. A expansão do ensino médico brasileiro, acelerada além do crescimento populacional a partir de 2002, é baseada principalmente em cursos pagos no interior dos estados brasileiros, característica inalterada desde 1964.

Current trends and future perspectives for medical education in Colombia.

Colombia is the second largest country in South America. In this article, we provide an overview of medical education in Colombia, including a description of existing public and private medical schools and available undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Medical education in Colombia has evolved through time, following international trends. In addition to 61 undergraduate medical programs, there are 529 postgraduate clinical, 30 PhD, and 131 Master programs in health sciences in Colombia. We identify current challenges and highlight future perspectives for medical education in Colombia.

Current status of Brazilian interprofessional education: a national survey comparing physical therapy and medical schools.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate how many Brazilian medical and physical therapy schools have initiatives and courses related to IPE in their curricula, assessing the barriers and factors associated with their implementation and comparing the differences between both programs. METHODS: This nationwide survey was carried out in 2017 and included representatives of all physical therapy and medical schools in Brasil. Offers of interprofessional activities and related opinions and barriers were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 76 (33.9%) of the medical and 159 (41.4%) of the physical therapy schools answered the questionnaires. At least 68.4% of the medical schools and 79.2% of the physical therapy schools have IPE initiatives, although the number of mandatory courses and clerkships is still low. Despite recognizing IPE's importance in health education, school representatives see the lack of integration of programs, conflicting schedules, and the lack of institutional support as barriers. In physical therapy, there is a smaller perception of barriers and greater incorporation of mandatory programs in the curriculum. CONCLUSION: These results will help in the development of future interventions that can enhance IPE in curricula in developing countries.

Mexican ENARM: performance comparison of public vs. private medical schools, geographic and socioeconomic regions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the performance in the National Assessment for Applicants for Medical Resi- dency (ENARM in spanish) of private versus public medical schools, geographic regions and socioeconomic levels by using three different statistical methods (summary measurements, the rate of change and the area under the receiver operator characteristics [AUROC]). These methods have not been previously used for the ENARM; however, some variations of the summary measurements have been reported in some USA assessments of medical school graduates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on historical data (2001-2017). We use summary measures and colourfilled map. The statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation coefficient (Rs), and linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 113 medical schools were included in our analysis; 60 were public and 53 private. We found difference in the median of total scores for type of schools, MD= 54.07 vs. MD= 57.36, p= 0.011. There were also significant differences among geographic and socioeconomic regions (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences exist in the total scores and percentage of selected test-takers between type of schools, geographic and socioeconomic regions. Higher scores are prevalent in the Northeast and Norwest regions. Additional research is required to identify factors that contribute to these differences. Unsuspected differences in examination scores can be unveiled using summary measures.

OBJETIVO: Comparar el desempeño en el Examen Nacional de Aspirantes a Residencias Médicas (ENARM) de escuelas de medicina privadas y públicas, regiones geográficas y niveles socioeconómicos mediante el uso de tres métodos estadísti- cos diferentes (medidas de resumen, tasa de cambio y el área bajo las características del operador receptor [AUROC en inglés]). Estos métodos no han sido utilizados previamente para el ENARM; sin embargo, se han informado algunas variaciones de las mediciones de resumen en algunas evaluaciones de graduados de medicina de Estados Unidos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal basado en datos históricos (2001-2017). Se usaron medidas de resumen y un mapa lleno de color. El análisis estadístico incluyó Mann Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis y coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (Rs). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 113 escuelas de medicina en el análisis; 60 eran públicas y 53 privadas. Se encontraron diferencias en la mediana de las puntuaciones totales para el tipo de escuelas, MD= 54.07 vs. MD= 57.36, p= 0.011. También hubo diferencias significativas entre las regiones geográficas y socioeconómicas (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONES: Existen diferencias en los puntajes totales y el porcentaje de examinados seleccionados entre el tipo de escuelas, regiones geográficas y socioeconómicas. Las puntuaciones más altas prevalecen en las regiones noreste y noroeste. Se requieren investigaciones adicionales para identificar los factores que contribuyen a estas diferencias. Las diferencias insospechadas en los puntajes de los exámenes se pueden revelar usando medidas de resumen.

Stressors, psychological distress, and mental health problems amongst Brazilian medical students.

In line with studies from around the world, several studies have shown equal or higher rates of anxiety, depression, alcohol and other drug use, and burnout in medical students in Brazil. The aim of the present study was to identify difficulties Brazilian medical students face regarding stressors, psychological distress, and psychiatric morbidity using standardized reliable and valid instruments. In addition, this study also investigated differences associated with sex. Students (n = 129) were asked to complete a one-off survey from January to June 2019, including demographics, previous mental health issues, CAGE, GHQ-12, and OLBI. A higher prevalence of previous mental disorders was found in comparison to during the medical course. This may suggest that perhaps students are under more stress or that they form a more vulnerable sub-population in medical school in comparison with the general population. However, the types of mental disorders before and during the undergraduate course appear to vary. During the course, they show higher levels of anxiety rather than that of depression. Before commencing the course, they showed higher levels of depression rather than anxiety. Cannabis and ecstasy experimentation levels were higher than those of students from other courses in previous studies. The opposite was true for stimulants. Just over a quarter reported alcohol abuse above the CAGE cut-off point. The levels of psychological distress and burnout were extremely high, and women had even higher levels. Male respondents were more likely to have a history of mental ill-health, but female subjects scored higher on burnout. Overall over 80% students reported burnout. These findings are discussed in the context of Brazilian culture.

Mexican ENARM: performance comparison of public vs. private medical schools, geographic and socioeconomic regions / ENARM: comparación del desempeño de escuelas de medicina públicas y privadas, regiones geográficas y socioeconómicas

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to compare the performance in the National Assessment for Applicants for Medical Residency (ENARM in spanish) of private versus public medical schools, geographic regions and socioeconomic levels by using three different statistical methods (summary measurements, the rate of change and the area under the receiver operator characteristics [AUROC]). These methods have not been previously used for the ENARM; however, some variations of the summary measurements have been reported in some USA assessments of medical school graduates. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study based on historical data (2001-2017). We use summary measures and colour-filled map. The statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation coefficient (Rs), and linear regression. Results: A total of 113 medical schools were included in our analysis; 60 were public and 53 private. We found difference in the median of total scores for type of schools, MD= 54.07 vs. MD= 57.36,p= 0.011. There were also significant differences among geographic and socioeconomic regions (p<0.05). Conclusions: Differences exist in the total scores and percentage of selected test-takers between type of schools, geographic and socioeconomic regions. Higher scores are prevalent in the Northeast and Norwest regions. Additional research is required to identify factors that contribute to these differences. Unsuspected differences in examination scores can be unveiled using summary measures.

Resumen: Objetivo: Comparar el desempeño en el Examen Nacional de Aspirantes a Residencias Médicas (ENARM) de escuelas de medicina privadas y públicas, regiones geográficas y niveles socioeconómicos mediante el uso de tres métodos estadísticos diferentes (medidas de resumen, tasa de cambio y el área bajo las características del operador receptor [AUROC en inglés]). Estos métodos no han sido utilizados previamente para el ENARM; sin embargo, se han informado algunas variaciones de las mediciones de resumen en algunas evaluaciones de graduados de medicina de Estados Unidos. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal basado en datos históricos (2001-2017). Se usaron medidas de resumen y un mapa lleno de color. El análisis estadístico incluyó Mann Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis y coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (Rs). Resultados: Se incluyeron 113 escuelas de medicina en el análisis; 60 eran públicas y 53 privadas. Se encontraron diferencias en la mediana de las puntuaciones totales para el tipo de escuelas, MD= 54.07 vs. MD= 57.36,p= 0.011. También hubo diferencias significativas entre las regiones geográficas y socioeconómicas (p<0.05). Conclusiones: Existen diferencias en los puntajes totales y el porcentaje de examinados seleccionados entre el tipo de escuelas, regiones geográficas y socioeconómicas. Las puntuaciones más altas prevalecen en las regiones noreste y noroeste. Se requieren investigaciones adicionales para identificar los factores que contribuyen a estas diferencias. Las diferencias insospechadas en los puntajes de los exámenes se pueden revelar usando medidas de resumen.

Current status of Brazilian interprofessional education: a national survey comparing physical therapy and medical schools

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES To investigate how many Brazilian medical and physical therapy schools have initiatives and courses related to IPE in their curricula, assessing the barriers and factors associated with their implementation and comparing the differences between both programs. METHODS This nationwide survey was carried out in 2017 and included representatives of all physical therapy and medical schools in Brasil. Offers of interprofessional activities and related opinions and barriers were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 76 (33.9%) of the medical and 159 (41.4%) of the physical therapy schools answered the questionnaires. At least 68.4% of the medical schools and 79.2% of the physical therapy schools have IPE initiatives, although the number of mandatory courses and clerkships is still low. Despite recognizing IPE's importance in health education, school representatives see the lack of integration of programs, conflicting schedules, and the lack of institutional support as barriers. In physical therapy, there is a smaller perception of barriers and greater incorporation of mandatory programs in the curriculum. CONCLUSION These results will help in the development of future interventions that can enhance IPE in curricula in developing countries.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS Investigar quantas escolas médicas e de fisioterapia brasileiras possuem iniciativas e cursos relacionados à EIP nos currículos, avaliando as barreiras e fatores associados com essa implementação e comparando as diferenças entre esses dois cursos. MÉTODOS Essa pesquisa nacional foi conduzida em 2017 e incluiu representantes das escolas médicas e de fisioterapia no Brasil. As ofertas de atividades interprofissionais, assim como as opiniões e barreiras para implementação, foram avaliadas. RESULTADOS Um total de 76 (33,9%) escolas médicas e 159 (41.4%) escolas de fisioterapia respondeu aos questionários. Pelo menos 68,4% das escolas médicas e 79,2% das escolas de fisioterapia possuem iniciativas de EIP, embora o número de cursos obrigatórios e estágios ainda seja baixo. Apesar de reconhecer a importância da EIP na educação em saúde, os representantes das escolas percebem como barreiras a falta de integração entre os cursos, associada a cronogramas incompatíveis e uma falta de suporte institucional. Na fisioterapia, existe menor percepção de barreiras e uma grande incorporação de cursos obrigatórios no currículo. CONCLUSÃO Esses resultados auxiliarão no desenvolvimento de futuras intervenções que promovam a EIP no currículo dos países em desenvolvimento.

Who and Where are the University of São Paulo Medical School Graduates?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a complex-care-based medical school in the context of the Brazilian health care system on students' career choices. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study based on medical regulatory organization records. It included records for 7,419 physicians who graduated from FMUSP. Geographic data were analyzed using Kernel maps, and the statistical analysis was performed with SPSS® version 24.0. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of the 7,419 physicians, 68.6% (95% CI 67.5-69.7) were male, and 20.7% (95% CI 19.8%-21.7%) had no medical specialty, compared to 46.4% nationwide. Internal medicine and surgery-based specialties were more popular, accounting for 39.4% (95% CI 38.3%-40.5%) and 16.8% (95% CI 15.5%-17.6%) of our study group, compared to the Brazilian averages of 25.9% and 13.5%. Our graduates also had a higher probability of staying in São Paulo City, especially when born outside the city. CONCLUSION: We believe that FMUSP remains an interesting model for studying the impact of a highly specialized center on the education and career choices of medical students.