Use of the TV series Unidade Básica for Brazilian National Health System-orientated training: medical students' perceptions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand medical students’ perceptions of the pedagogical use of the Brazilian television series Unidade Básica (Health Center). Three focus group sessions were held with 16 undergraduate students who had watched the series in a teaching context. The students’ comments were analyzed drawing on Ricoeurian hermeneutics. It was noted that Unidade Básica is a realistic portrayal of Brazil’s national health system and work in primary care. Furthermore, the findings show that the series counteracts a certain academic “indoctrination” and focus on the biological aspects of health care, as well as the social imaginary surrounding the medical profession. According to the participants, the use of the series facilitated learning and broadened their knowledge of primary care. Unidade Básica is therefore a useful resource for reorienting medical training in favor of the Brazilian National Health System.