Educomunicação e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis: ferramentas digitais na formação continuada de profissionais de saúde

Abstract

Educommunication can be a strategy for health promotion by qualifying care with equitable health care and universal access. This thesis aimed to explore the potential of digital tools as strategies for professional qualification. The thesis presents a relevant and strategic approach for training in managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and combined prevention. The study aimed to develop and evaluate a continuing education course in STI using educommunication technologies—the “InformaAção” course. It was offered as a free, asynchronous, self-instructional distance learning course through the Moodle AVA at UNIPAMPA. The methodology used qualitative action research, descriptive statistics, and categorical content analysis. Most participants had internet access and prior experience with digital platforms. The participants, predominantly women aged 20–44, recognized the relevance of the course, particularly in topics such as combined prevention, immunological window, counseling, and post-test orientation. A significant increase in knowledge was observed among the 30 participants who completed the course (from 72.2% to 77.3%). The course improved confidence and preparedness for STI-related care. All participants would recommend it, and 90% expressed interest in further training in the same format. The course also contributed to an extension project with educational materials and public health campaigns. The findings suggest that digital tools and educommunicative methodologies are essential for health professionals’ continuing education and positively impact the quality of health care.