Evaluation of a capacitation program for community health care agents

Abstract

Introduction: the different methods that use active learning methodology need coherent evaluation processes for a new professional profile. Objectives: this qualitative and quantitative study aimed to train and evaluate community health workers to assist in conducting the Education Program in Oral Health and the specific objectives to analyze, using a quantitative methodology, the results obtained by trained community health workers in acting on Oral Health Education Program. Methods: based on the evaluation levels of Miller's pyramid were trained eight community health workers in practical actions using the score of Turesky Plaque Index that made it possible to obtain quantitative data before and after the action performed by community health workers. The project involved 413 students representing all the students enrolled in municipal and state school units in the age group 6 - 19 years. It was later applied to community health workers a semi- structured questionnaire with a pre-arranged questions. Results: we observed through the disclosure of plaque before and after and guidance and brushing supervised by the community health workers, students appropriated the proposed teaching, resulting in considerable improvement in the brushing and reduction of bacterial plaque and thus prevention and promotion in oral health. The project also provided to community health workers professional development with changes in vision and work processes, even allowing for greater integration with the oral health team, making them health education agents.