APPROACH OF THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM TO FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY'S THIRD MISSION

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the organization of Primary Health Care (PHC), leading to a decrease in coverage and attention to non-communicable diseases. OBJECTIVE. To contribute to overcoming gaps between health care opportunity indicators at a Family Health Center (CESFAM) and user satisfaction, by implementing health promotion activities that also foster the professional development of students in health-related fields. METHODOLOGY. A project was implemented with the municipality of a community in Santiago de Chile with a highly vulnerable population. The project involved municipal officials, representatives of neighborhood associations, academics, and students from a private university. Nursing and obstetrics students conducted health checks in various community spaces. User satisfaction was evaluated using a 9-item ad hoc questionnaire, covering aspects such as wait times, infrastructure quality, and attention. RESULTS: From May to December 2022, 943 health checks were conducted on children, adolescents, and women, following current Health Ministry regulations. A total of 312 nursing and obstetrics students, under faculty supervision, participated in clinical practice environments. User satisfaction was assessed for 234 users, reflecting high overall satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Intersectoral coordination was essential in addressing the challenge of improving CESFAM's opportunity indicators and enhancing user satisfaction. This endeavor facilitated student learning in vulnerable territories, aligning with the university's third mission (corresponding to units of Linkage with the Environment, as an additional activity to the work of teaching and research).