What the study found
The PET-Health program was reported to foster teamwork among participants. Participants described improved communication with other professionals, reduced stereotypes, and a better understanding of the roles of different healthcare workers.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say interprofessional education, which means learning with and from people in different health professions, is fundamental to training health professionals. They also conclude that it should be embedded in curriculum guidelines, pedagogical programs, and public health policies.
What the researchers tested
The researchers carried out an exploratory qualitative study using narratives from students and preceptors in an interprofessional PET-Health program at the University Center of Valença in Brazil. They analyzed the narratives with IRaMuTeQ software and used a phenomenological perspective to let participants' perceptions emerge.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis of 25 narratives produced four classes: one on clearer professional roles, less stereotyping, and stronger communication; one on challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic; one on adaptations such as remote health education to keep the program going; and one on the value of community-based teaching and the preceptor's mediating role. The pandemic hindered in-person activities, but it also led to remote strategies and information and communication technologies being used in health education.
What to keep in mind
The study is based on a small set of narratives from one program, so its scope is limited to that setting. The abstract also says that longitudinal studies are needed to assess effects on population health outcomes.
Key points
- Participants reported that PET-Health fostered teamwork.
- The study found improved communication, reduced stereotypes, and clearer understanding of professional roles.
- COVID-19 hindered in-person activities but led to remote health education and use of information and communication technologies.
- Community-based teaching and the preceptor's role were highlighted as important for collaborative competencies.
- The authors call for longitudinal studies to assess effects on population health outcomes.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- PET-Health participants reported better collaboration and communication
- Authors:
- Marcela Pereira Oliveira, Renata A. Kobayashi, Milton Arruda Martins, Patrícia Zen Tempski, Fernanda Magalhães Arantes-Costa
- Institutions:
- Universidade de São Paulo, Fundação Educacional D. André Arcoverde, Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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