Training of senior nursing technicians to promote healthy lifestyles within primary healthcare

Abstract

Introduction: The research presented here was conducted at the Metropolitan University of Ecuador, within the Faculty of Health and Physical Culture, as part of the project titled "The Nursing Technologist in the Care of Vulnerable Groups in Tarifa, Samborondón." It was prompted by the identification of shortcomings in the training of nursing technologists regarding their ability to develop interventions that promote healthy lifestyles among the population. The study aimed to design a comprehensive, intercultural methodological guide for interventions within the primary healthcare (PHC) context, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. Materials and Methods: The non-probabilistic (purposive) sample consisted of 30 students and 3 faculty members from the academic program under study. A variety of theoretical and empirical methods and techniques were employed, including analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, a review of regulatory documents concerning health services and professional training in Ecuador, interviews with faculty, and surveys of students. Results: The research yielded a methodological guide aligned with the program's educational objectives, which also holds potential for use by practicing professionals. Discussion: The findings—both theoretical and practical—provide an overview of the discourse on healthy lifestyles within primary healthcare in communities, particularly rural ones. This serves as a foundation for guiding policies, developing programs and projects, and informing future research. Conclusions: The parish of Tarifa, in the Samborondón Canton, is a rural community where a lack of resources and infrastructure hinders the fulfillment of residents' medical needs. The community project "The Nursing Technologist in the Care of Vulnerable Groups" offers a viable approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations—such as those dealing with respiratory or gastrointestinal infectious diseases—while simultaneously serving as a means for professional training and community contribution.