Interprofessional learning in an undergraduate Dentistry course in the pandemic context of remote teaching

Abstract

This article aims to understand undergraduate dental students’ perception of the motivations and meanings of interprofessional learning in the pandemic period of remote teaching at a public university in the South of Brazil. This qualitative research used the theoretical-methodological perspective of phenomenology of perception. The researchers conducted interviews and a documentary analysis of the portfolios of students who attended a teaching activity with a focus on remote interprofessional education (IPE) in the pandemic period. The experience was marked by interactions between students-teachers-professionals mediated by the use of digital platforms, and provided opportunities of development of collaborative skills. Inequalities in access to internet services and to devices suitable for remote teaching, personal-familial situations related to experiencing a pandemic, and difficulties in creating bonds were the reported barriers. IPE in settings of the Brazilian National Health System was perceived by students as essential for the training of health professionals.