Care for Child Development Approach: A Large-Scale Hybrid Training Model for Primary Health Care Professionals in Brazil
1
Pediatrics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
2
Occupational Therapy, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias em Saúde da Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
3
Post-Graduate Program Health Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
4
Post-Graduate Program Public Health, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
5
Medical School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
6
CGCRIAJ, Ministério da Saúde, Brasilia, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Promoting early childhood development (ECD) is a key global public health challenge. In Brazil, despite the wide coverage of Primary Health Care (PHC), guidance on ECD and positive parenting remains insufficient in routine services. To address this gap, the Brazilian Ministry of Health, in partnership with UFMG and PAHO, implemented the Care for Child Development (CDC) Project in PHC, adapting the WHO/UNICEF approach to the Unified Health System (SUS) through a scalable hybrid training model combining online (30 hours) and in-person components (8 hours).
OBJECTIVES:
To examine the capillarity, adhesion, satisfaction, and socio-professional profiles of professionals participating in the CDC-PHC training.
METHODS:
This exploratory study analyzed data from course registration, academic trajectory, and the final anonymous evaluation questionnaire. Descriptive statistics assessed socio-professional profiles, geographic distribution, course completion rates, satisfaction, and participation in in-person training.
RESULTS:
From February 2025 to January 2026, 57920 professionals registered for the online course; 5737 (10%) completed the theoretical phase; 50% worked in the SUS. Among SUS completers, most were nurses (31%) and general physicians (36%) working in Family Health Teams (67%), alongside other multiprofessional categories (22%). All 27 Brazilian states were represented, with higher participation from the Northeast and Southeast (33% each). Course quality was rated as good by 89% of participants; content was considered pertinent by 81% and applicable to PHC by 74%. Most accessed the course from home (64%), over 80% would recommend it, and 14% of completers enrolled in in-person training (n=347).
CONCLUSIONS:
The hybrid model is feasible for strengthening PHC capacities at scale and reducing regional inequalities in continuing education. However, high dropout rates indicate limited institutional support, especially protected study time. The well-rated online course suits diverse PHC contexts and professional categories, but its sustainability depends on institutional support and the integration of the CDC approach into routine practice.
Promoting early childhood development (ECD) is a key global public health challenge. In Brazil, despite the wide coverage of Primary Health Care (PHC), guidance on ECD and positive parenting remains insufficient in routine services. To address this gap, the Brazilian Ministry of Health, in partnership with UFMG and PAHO, implemented the Care for Child Development (CDC) Project in PHC, adapting the WHO/UNICEF approach to the Unified Health System (SUS) through a scalable hybrid training model combining online (30 hours) and in-person components (8 hours).
OBJECTIVES:
To examine the capillarity, adhesion, satisfaction, and socio-professional profiles of professionals participating in the CDC-PHC training.
METHODS:
This exploratory study analyzed data from course registration, academic trajectory, and the final anonymous evaluation questionnaire. Descriptive statistics assessed socio-professional profiles, geographic distribution, course completion rates, satisfaction, and participation in in-person training.
RESULTS:
From February 2025 to January 2026, 57920 professionals registered for the online course; 5737 (10%) completed the theoretical phase; 50% worked in the SUS. Among SUS completers, most were nurses (31%) and general physicians (36%) working in Family Health Teams (67%), alongside other multiprofessional categories (22%). All 27 Brazilian states were represented, with higher participation from the Northeast and Southeast (33% each). Course quality was rated as good by 89% of participants; content was considered pertinent by 81% and applicable to PHC by 74%. Most accessed the course from home (64%), over 80% would recommend it, and 14% of completers enrolled in in-person training (n=347).
CONCLUSIONS:
The hybrid model is feasible for strengthening PHC capacities at scale and reducing regional inequalities in continuing education. However, high dropout rates indicate limited institutional support, especially protected study time. The well-rated online course suits diverse PHC contexts and professional categories, but its sustainability depends on institutional support and the integration of the CDC approach into routine practice.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
