The training of the medical students of Guantánamo for the radiological diagnosis of respiratory diseases

Abstract

Background: the graduation of a competent general practitioner is a social requirement. Among his competences the physician must know how to make the radiology diagnosis of respiratory diseases.Objective: to devise a system of activities to foster the training of sixth-year medical students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Guantánamo, to make the diagnosis of respiratory diseases, included in the syllabus of Internal Medicine, by means of chest radiography.Methods: a descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study was carried out at the faculty declared in the objective, with a random sample of 25 students of the sixth year of Medicine, during the academic year 2017-2018. The following variables were characterized: training, competences, students’ expectations concerning the topic. A system of teaching activities was implemented aimed at their training.Results: more than 40 % of the students demonstrated an inadequate level of training to make the diagnosis of respiratory diseases, included in the syllabus of Internal Medicine of the sixth year of Medicine, by means of chest radiography. The percentage decreased significantly with the application of the devised system of teaching activities.Conclusions: the need for training the students in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases by means of chest radiography was supported. A system of teaching activities was designed to make possible this purpose.

Keywords

• education, medical
• diagnostic imaging
• clinical competence