The potential of formative evaluation on the change processes of professional healthcare education

Abstract

This paper presents an evaluation model aimed at inducing changes in professional healthcare education in line with the principles of the Brazilian Health System (SUS). We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Pro-PET-Health program from the perspective of local players, expressed in reports that guided evaluation visits conducted by advisors from Brazil’s Ministry of Health. The data confirm positive effects in the relationship between schools and health services with differentiated advances in the curriculum and courses, and in the involvement of institutions and students in healthcare networks by expanding commitment to the SUS. Weaknesses were identified in the sustainability of programs that require guaranteeing conditions from institutions for large-scale involvement of all students in the programs and activities developed by the expansion of partnerships with municipalities and health regions to empower this program.