Evaluation of the University Extension Courses promoted by the Medical School of Ribeirão Preto of the University of São Paulo between 2002 and 2008

Abstract

Background

: University of São Paulo(USP) CoCEx-5072 resolution regulates university extension courses. The Medical School of Ribeirão Preto USP(MSRP-USP) has adhered and incentivates documentation of all courses conducted. Several problems were identified, being mandatory process reevaluation. Metodology: 106 courses conducted between 2002 and 2008 were evaluated. Data regarding course type, duration, regularity and number of attendees were recovered and compared with the official USPApolo web system. Duration of process was calculated through the difference between date of beggining and end of process. All courses were considered concluded when certification was emited. Results: 1)The number of courses conducted by MSRP-USP is low, much inferior to its potential; 2) The majority of courses comprehends short duration courses (Difusion) conducted on a yearly basis; 3)There were problems with personal for guiding and documenting the courses in the MSRP-USP. Conclusion: The extension courses management in the MSRP-USP should be improved. Even with the low number of courses, guidance and documentation is not properly undergone. This could jeopardize the policy of increasing the number of courses documented. Urgent measures should be implementeds for adequate management of the actual demand and increasing documentation.