Medical preceptorship in family and community medicine: a proposal for dialogue with andragogy

Abstract: Introduction: Brazil is in a broad process of strengthening medical residencies in basic areas, but there is a need for a structured curriculum to qualify the training of preceptors. Objective: To build a dialogic matrix to guide the educational training of preceptorship in Family and Community Medicine (FFM). Methodology: Through a qualitative-analytical study, three medical preceptorship programs in Brazil were analyzed, namely: Associação Brasileira de Educação Médica, Hospital Sírio-Libanês and Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz. A training proposal was subsequently presented containing macro-guidelines that allow changes in the teaching and learning processes to qualify preceptor practice in dialogue with andragogy. Results: Based on andragogy, the resulting matrix emphasized the learner’s autonomy, to the detriment of the educator’s control of learning. It involves five dimensions: directionality of training; contents; pedagogical strategies; training concepts and structure; and the relationship between health, education and research. Each dimension included guidelines that value: the context and principles of in-service training in the SUS; the development of competences about the contents of health care, management and education; conceptions and structures guided by the construction of significant bonds between the subjects involved in the educational act, respecting their previous knowledge and experiences; collaborative pedagogical strategies, work with operative groups and the use of information and communication technologies; and encouraging research as an educational principle. Conclusion: The matrix considered the needs of FCM training, based on key aspects of andragogy. It can promote changes in the teaching-learning processes of preceptors, with the aim of qualifying their practice.