Analysis of tuberculosis and leprosy in the pedagogical projects of Medicine courses and the spatial relationship between cases

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Medical education is crucial for the training of healthcare professionals. In Brazil, medical training has advanced, focusing on the Unified Health System and primary care. The inclusion of tuberculosis and leprosy in the medical curriculum is essential due to the impact of these diseases on public health. Medical schools should ensure that students learn about these diseases to improve health outcomes in the country. Objective: This study aims to analyze how the topics of leprosy and tuberculosis are included in the pedagogical projects of medicine courses at university institutions in the Southern region of Brazil. Method: A documentary and exploratory study with a qualitative approach was conducted. Pedagogical projects were collected between January and August 2023. The analysis of the pedagogical projects focused on identifying the keywords “leprosy” and “tuberculosis” and evaluating how these diseases were addressed in the documents, both in theoretical contexts and in practical teaching intentions. Content units were identified and grouped into two main categories: Theoretical Learning and Clinical-Practical Learning. Results: The results indicated that references to tuberculosis were more frequent than leprosy in the analyzed pedagogical projects. Most institutions prioritize teaching these diseases in the early years of medical school, with little emphasis during the clinical internship phase. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the teaching of these diseases tends to be more theoretical, with few references to clinical practice. A spatial distribution of leprosy in Santa Catarina was also conducted, correlating the presence of medical courses in certain municipalities with the number of leprosy cases diagnosed in those areas. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of reviewing and improving the pedagogical projects of medical courses in Santa Catarina to enhance the teaching of leprosy and tuberculosis. This includes incorporating practical approaches and considering the epidemiological relevance of these diseases in the regions where courses are conducted. The study also emphasizes the need to rethink how these topics are taught and how medical students can play an active role in detecting and managing these diseases in the community.