Immersion In Academic Life For Families Of Healthcare Students As A Strategy To Bridge The University And The Community

Abstract

Introduction: In a context where the number of people with higher education is on the rise, outreach initiatives are essential to strengthen the bond between the university and the community. By providing a space where families can experience daily academic life, outreach projects not only contribute to the training of future professionals but also to building a culture that values higher education as a possible and desirable path (De Sá; Monici; Conceição, 2022). Methodology: An outreach project was conducted to provide students' families with perspectives on academic training and to enhance knowledge about multiple health areas. The courses included Biomedicine, Nursing, Aesthetics, and Dentistry, which simulated experiences in the laboratories of Anatomy, Cytology, Hematology, and Microbiology, as well as workshops on Aesthetics, Dentistry, Nursing, and Forensic Science. Data collection was performed using lists and informal questions for the research. The data were calculated based on graphical analysis of the variables. Results and Discussion: The event was attended by 412 students and 385 family members, totaling 797 people. It featured a higher number of laboratories/workshops related to Clinical Analysis, an area of Biomedicine, that had the highest number of participants. Higher education statistics in Brazil, reaching only 19.7%, and 20.8% in Paraná (Brazil, 2023), indicate that many event participants may not have a culture of valuing higher education. Almost 80% of the participants had never had a similar experience, suggesting that the project represents an innovative approach for higher education institutions, highlighting a demand for events that offer the opportunity to experience daily academic life, allowing family members to feel closer to the students' challenges and achievements. Final Considerations: The implementation of outreach activities can strengthen family ties and create a more robust support environment, contributing to the construction of a more cohesive and engaged academic community.