Teaching in Oncological Care in Brazil: Needs and Opportunities

Abstract

Introduction: The National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA) works in education, training and human resources development in oncology in the light of policies on health and education. The educational activities are developed by the Coordination of Education that, to better plan them, carried out this study. Objective: To identify the demand for qualification in oncology for different health professionals’ categories, in different regions of the country, pointing out the priorities at a national level. Method: It was prepared a self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to State Health Departments, Scientific Associations, Federal Departments of occupational categories, High Complexity Oncology Centers and Units, Municipal Health Offices of the state capitals, INCA Educational Committees and Coordinators of State Programs for Family Health. The data were tabulated on an Excel spreadsheet, and for the descriptive analysis, we have used the statistical program EPI-INFO. Results: 477 questionnaires were received and indicated professional performance in basic care as the most pressing demand, followed by palliative care, by acting on an outpatient basis and the basics of cancer control and prevention. Additionally, with regard to the type/location of the tumor, we identified a greater need for skills in attention to breast cancer and cervical cancer. Conclusion: Such findings allowed the decision to build up a profile of the qualification demand, which will be the basis for structuring educational activities directed towards the needs.