Dados do Trabalho

Título

COMPREHENSION OF ONCOLOGY AS A MEDICAL SPECIALTY AMONG HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARIO CLEMENTINO FRAGA FILHO’S MEDICAL STUDENTS AND INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENTS

Introdução

In the light of population’s aging and the management of Infectious, Parasitic and Cardiovascular Diseases, Oncological Diseases became the second leading cause of death in Brazil. Therefore, it suggests a need for enhancement in medical education, qualifying undergraduates and residents in the care of cancer patients.

Objetivo

In order to analyze the students’ perspective about clinical oncology teaching, the UFRJ’s Academic League of Hematology and Oncology carried out a research using a form containing 16 questions using the Google Forms platform.

Método

The form presented questions related to individual understanding and general knowledge of Oncology, seeking to reach students of the last 2 years of graduation in Medicine and Internal Medicine residents attending at Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho. The survey was disclosed to students by social networks and emails, from July 22nd to August 22nd, 2021.

Resultado

As preliminary results, 45 responses were obtained. Within the participants, 23 are residents, of which 77.3% are attending the 1st year, and 22 are undergraduates, of which 54.5% are attending the 9th semester. ⅓ of them don’t consider choosing oncology as a specialty and only 22% consider themselves fully prepared to diagnose cancers, while only 13% feel prepared to share this news with the patient. As for the preparation offered by the University, 96% feel unprepared or partially prepared to carry out these diagnoses and interact with patients. To solve this qualification problem, 80% believe that more in-the-field activities are needed and 75.6% propose more lessons on approach tools and strategies. When asked about the oncologist's biggest challenges, 82% believe that the emotional charge and the management of terminal patients are some of the biggest concerns, while 62% consider it to be the infrastructure of services. When comparing the support offered by the public and private health services, 42% of the participants believe that the public health system is unprepared for this kind of treatment and ⅓ consider that the private service is completely prepared for it. In terms of specific knowledge, which were measured in 5 questions, the average percentage of correct answers was 63% among graduates, 76% among residents and 70% in general.

Conclusão

The results show that the majority of participants doesn’t feel confident to diagnose and manage cancer patients, feeling the need for increased practical and theoretical activities during graduation stages.

Palavras-chave

Comprehension of Oncology; Medical Students; Internal Medicine Residents