The medical student in front of the homeless population: Collaborative Work as a tool

Abstract

This is the experience report of a medical academic from Federal University Fluminense, intern of the  Education Program for Work for  health/Interprofessionality, working as part of the  Street Clinic of Niterói/RJ, Brazil between April 2019  and March 2020. Aiming at the recognition of  challenges, limits and potential of Interprofessional  Education and Collaborative Work, the narrative  constructed through 44 reports sent to the Program’s  preceptors and tutors was used as a methodological  tool, being shared not only what the practical field as  a physical space brought to light, but also what came  to life through intersubjectivity in the encounter with  different characters. The opportunity to follow the  strategy allowed the student to know more about this essential service to ensure equity in the health of the homeless population, leading to the  improvement/development of skills/tools that will  compose a work centered on the formation of  positive bonds with service users, in the provision of  comprehensive care and collaborative health  practices. It was concluded that, despite the numerous barriers, Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Work are important instruments in academic training, standing out in the production of high quality health  services, especially in offering comprehensive care to  people in vulnerability.