Operative group as a health learning environment

building knowledge about stroke with elderly women

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic, predominantly affects the elderly, making health education essential for raising awareness about the pathology. Objective: To report the experience of medical students during an educational activity on stroke directed at elderly women. Experience Report: During the first semester of 2023, students conducted a health promotion intervention with elderly women at a Primary Healthcare Unit (UBS) in Belo Horizonte, MG. The activity, based on active methodology, consisted of a Q&A dynamic regarding stroke. Participants drew questions on paper and used green balloons for "true" answers and red balloons for "false." Following each response, the students clarified the information and addressed questions. Six elderly women participated, and the dynamic’s questionnaire included 17 questions on the topic. The accuracy rates were: 79.13% for symptomatology, 83.3% for prevention, 33% for the concept of stroke, and 73.4% for general stroke questions. These results demonstrate a solid understanding of symptoms and prevention but highlight the need for further education regarding the definition of stroke itself. The participants also engaged in peer-to-peer learning and effective interaction. Final Considerations: Playful and active educational approaches are fundamental for promoting awareness among the elderly population, as they foster dynamic learning and effective interaction between participants. This underscores the potential of future medical professionals to contribute significantly to health education.