Introduction:

The work of a family medicine physician requires mastering a broad set of knowledge, skills and attitudes to deal with the complexity of patients, families and communities, with the aim of going beyond a healing perspective. In this context, the internship constitutes a fundamental experience to promote the theoretical and practical coordination of medical education. The objective of this study was to analyze a family practice internship program at a public university in the city of Fortaleza, state of Ceará, from the students’ perspective.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, descriptive and quanti-qualitative study was developed in August and September of 2018 with 30 undergraduate medical students attending the 12th semester of the course. Data were collected by means of an online questionnaire that assessed the students’ perception on preceptorship, learning, theoretical classes, unit infrastructure, overall satisfaction with the internship program and their relationship with other professionals. Quantitative data were submitted to descriptive and thematic content analysis. Most undergraduate students were males, (65.5%) aged between 22 and 24 years old (55.1%).

Results:

Overall satisfaction with the internship was considered good (60%), as well as with theoretical classes (63.3%). Learning was assessed as good regarding the physician-patient relationship and communication skills (46.7%); medical chart recording skills (33.3%); skills to perform collective activities with users and multiprofessional teams (43%). A total of 73% of students reported that the internship program contributed to their future professional performance in primary health care. The positive aspects of the internship program cited were: preceptorship; learning regarding the physician-patient relationship; students’ autonomy in case conduction; course study load; getting closer to the reality of the communities; incorporation into the unit’s routine; diversity in learning; and theoretical-practical training. The negative aspects were: infrastructure of the primary healthcare unit; learning of collective actions and interdisciplinarity; development of essential activities; evidence-based practice; and preceptorship.

Conclusion:

In general, the family practice internship program was well assessed by the students, mainly regarding preceptorship, learning clinical skills and the contribution to their medical education for future work in primary health care. Further assessment studies are needed, involving the perception of preceptors and other health professionals, and including an analysis of the educational dimension.

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