Digital Teaching in Public Health: MOOCs on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome

Author : Elza Bernardes Ferreira, Paola Trindade Garcia, Deysianne Costa Das Chagas, Cadidja Dayane Sousa Do Carmo, Juan Magalhaes Paiva, Ana Emilia Figueiredo De Oliveira

Abstract :Background: The health care of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Down Syndrome (DS) requires continuous improvement by health professionals. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are valuable tools for Lifelong Education, with large-scale training, strengthening care practices, and contributing to the universalization of care. The present study aims to describe the reach of MOOCs courses focused on the care of people with ASD or DS and the perception of health professionals. Methods: Quantitative-qualitative study, with data collected from the virtual learning environment and a semi-structured questionnaire for individual interviews of professionals about the courses. All interviews were conducted on the Google Meet® platform, recorded in audio and video, involving 22 health professionals from different regions of Brazil who participated in two MOOCs offered by UNA-SUS/UFMA, Brazil - MOOC 1: “Attention to the Rehabilitation of the Person with Autism Spectrum Disorders” - 30h and MOOC 2: “Attention to the Person with Down Syndrome” - 30h. Results: MOOC 1 presented 82.819 registered professionals, with a 40% approval rate; MOOC 2 obtained 37.223 registrations, with 47% of approved professionals, both high for approval in courses of the MOOC type. From the interviews conducted, it was possible to conclude that the courses stood out for their intuitive digital interface and objective and practical pedagogical resources. They were perceived as effective tools to improve knowledge about the needs of public health. However, improvements were suggested, such as a higher workload and broader interprofessional focus.Conclusions: MOOCs based on intuitive digital platforms have demonstrated great potential in Continuing Education in Public Health, enabling professionals with practical and relevant content, and fostering critical reflections on health policies and the challenges related to universal care of specific populations, such as people with ASD and DS. Funding: Ministry of Health, Federal Government of Brazil.

Keywords :Professional Training, Persons with Disabilities, Digital Health.

Conference Name :International Conference on Population Health and Public Health Informatics (ICPHPHI-25)

Conference Place Munich, Germany

Conference Date 13th Oct 2025