Permanent education in healthcare services: educational activities developed in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Abstract

To analyse educational activities carried out in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, considered permanent education in healthcare. This is a mixed methods study with a qualitative approach and the participation of 492 municipal health departments. Data were collected in March and October 2014 through interviews available online. The data were tabulated using Excel software. The data were subjected to thematic content analysis and statistic descriptive analysis. The study was approved with opinion 22830812.5.0000.5149. Data analysis revealed the following nine categories: type of practice, theme, method, technological resource, motive, healthcare level, public, financing, and status of the described practice. The activities were not related to a specific educational concept. The researchers found that the subjects that motivated the education activities were based on work and the diagnosis of problems faced by the workers. These principles are characteristic of permanent education in healthcare. In some municipalities, permanent education is being incorporated into the healthcare service routine.