Innovation in the Assessment of Continuing Education in Health: Development of an Instrument in Municipalities of Goiás
Published 2026-04-08
Keywords
- Continuing Education; Qualitative Assessment; Health Assessment; Organizational Innovation; Methodological Study; Sustainable Development Goals
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2026 Madalena de Queluz, Edinamar Aparecida Santos da Silva, Maria Alice Coelho, Larissa Arbués Carneiro, Maria Alves Barbosa
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Introduction
Continuing Health Education (EPS), established by Decree No. 1.996/2007, is an essential strategy for improving the quality of health services and strengthening the collaborative practices among workers, managers, and users. Aligned with contemporary demands, by fostering reflective practices guided by the needs of local communities, EPS can drive significant progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially in relation to quality health, reducing inequalities, and promoting a culture of peace, justice, and effective institutions, by consolidating more inclusive, ethical, and integrated learning environments with public policies.
Objective
To develop an EPS evaluation matrix in municipalities in Goiás.
Methods
This methodological study, with a qualitative approach, is part of the research project "Continuing Health Education in Municipalities of the State of Goiás: Participatory Assessment and Intervention," conducted in two phases between May 2018 and March 2022. Focus groups were conducted with 37 workers, managers, and social oversight representatives in four municipalities in Goiás. Data analysis used WebQDA software and the Interpretation of Meanings method.
Results
In the first phase, eight analytical categories were identified, generating 15 questions distributed across the axes of structure, process, and results, composing the initial version of the evaluation matrix. After evaluation and adjustments agreed upon by the participants, the final version with 17 questions was consolidated. The next steps involve applying the matrix in municipal contexts to analyze its practical validity and contribution to EPS management.
Conclusion
The developed matrix is a strategic and participatory tool for evaluating EPS in municipalities in Goiás. Its application can improve the quality of healthcare and strengthen the National EPS Policy, contributing to the achievement of SDG 3, 4, 10, and 16. It is expected that managers and supporters will incorporate the tool into institutional practices, promoting innovation, equity, and continuous improvement in the management and organization of healthcare services.