Territorialization and Situational Health Diagnosis in the Student Experience of Integrated Living in the Community

Abstract

Objective: To report the experience of students in the second semester of medicine at the Multi-campus School of Medical Sciences of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte during the Integrated Living in the Community II program in the process of territorialization and construction of the Situational Health Diagnosis of a Basic Health Unit. Method: This is a descriptive, experience report type of research, which consisted of preparing a map of the catchment area, the situational diagnosis, and a “tree” of the explanatory matrix. Results: It was identified that most of the analyzed catchment population was elderly. The territory had several social facilities, but also points of vulnerability to flooding, drug addiction, alcoholism, and homeless families. These elements allowed students and professionals to recognize the main health needs of the population, with a view to developing actions to overcome these challenges and promote health. Conclusion: The experience demonstrated the relevance of immersing students in the territory, so that they were able to identify vulnerabilities and potentialities for health promotion, prevention, and recovery. It also favored the teaching-learning process, providing the development of communication skills, active listening, decision-making, and intersectoral articulation.