University of Fortaleza physical therapy undergraduates' knowledge on the Brazilian Health Care System

Abstract

In 1986, the 8th National Health Conference proposed a new public health system model, since the existing one was deemed inappropriate to meet the population needs. However, up to the present, the Brazilian National Unified Health Care System's (NUHCS) operation is far from its basic principles. Professional qualification of health providers to act in the system is often raised as a related issue. This study aimed at assessing University of Fortaleza (Unifor) physical therapy undergraduate students' knowledge on the NUHCS, by means of a specifically developed survey. Fifty-six (out of 68) physical therapy graduates, regardless of sex and age, answered the questionnaire. Results show that 41 (73,2%) subjects allegedly received adequate education about the NUHCS; 32 (62,5%) had undergone training inside a basic health unit; and 47 (83,9%) considered themselves apt to work at the system. Mean number of correct answers regarding NUHCS' doctrine, organizational principles, origin, function, and financing was significantly higher than the mean number of wrong answers (p<0.05). It may thus be said that most Unifor physical therapy graduates consider they have enough knowledge on the system, mostly acquired during graduation course, and are prepared to act at the NUHCS.