The teaching of Bioethics in Collective Health courses at Brazilian public universities

Abstract

Objective: To carry out a mapping of Brazilian public universities that offer the Collective Health course, in order to analyze the insertion of contents related to Bioethics (discipline and curricular contents). Method: A descriptive, exploratory study, with a documentary approach, carried out through access to the pedagogical projects of undergraduate courses in Collective Health, available on the National Registry of Courses and Higher Education Institutions portal, and on the official websites of universities. Results: In April 2023, there were 37 undergraduate courses in Collective Health in Brazil, 17 of which were offered by public universities. When analyzing the course projects, it was observed that the teaching of Bioethics occurs in a transversal way and in different curricular components, with a predominance of theoretical contents. Conclusion: The teaching of Bioethics in Collective Health courses can be improved, including methodologies that favor the questioning of everyday situations faced by Brazilian public health professionals. Furthermore, it is necessary that the teaching actions explore different perspectives and bioethical principles, stimulating a critical, reflective and plural reflection on the existing challenges.