Experiences of the active student investigation of COVID-19. South Polyclinic of Sancti Spíritus, 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Medical science universities across the country have played an important role in supporting the Cuban healthcare system during the ongoing pandemic. This subject is mandatory for students and professionals involved in detecting and treating cases.

Objective: To describe experiences and results of the active COVID-19 investigation, carried out by students of Medical Sciences at the Rudesindo Antonio García del Rijo Polyclinic in the Sancti Spíritus municipality.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from March to May of 2021. The study included 256 students and 37 professors of medical sciences involved in the investigation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the South Polyclinic, from March to May, 2021. The study aimed to identify respiratory symptoms and provide health education for the purposes of preventing and controlling the disease.

Results: The best indicator was provided by the month of April with 221,568 homes visited for 93.66%. 1,234,368 were screened in the study, detecting 418 respiratory symptoms, which represents 0.033 %. The most acceptable indicator was recorded in March, where 166 respiratory symptoms were identified for 0.041 %. 642,844 educational activities were carried out, predominantly face-to-face.

Conclusions: The student survey achieved a high number of homes visited and patients screened, as part of surveillance for Acute Respiratory Infections, contributing to the timely diagnosis of COVID-19. The developed educational activities enabled better practices among the population served. The majority of students obtained evaluation categories of Excellent and Good.