Understanding the phases of life: the relationship between healthcare professionals and different patient profiles

Abstract

The central aim of this study is to promote a comprehensive understanding of the phases of human development, emphasizing their relevance in both academic settings and professional health practice. Through the exploration of innovative educational methodologies, the study seeks to deepen knowledge about the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur across the life span. Such understanding is essential for health professionals to adapt their approaches and care strategies to the specific needs of each stage of life. To this end, the study analyzes the evolution of participants’ understanding of human development throughout a series of educational sessions, investigating how engagement in these activities relates to the acquisition and application of knowledge. This cross-sectional study adopted a quantitative and descriptive approach, involving health professionals and students. It also evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed questions, identifying the developmental stages with the greatest variation in responses. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon, Chi-square, and McNemar tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The results demonstrated a clear improvement in knowledge acquisition, particularly concerning the young adult and elderly stages. These findings highlight the link between life stages and healthcare practices, reinforcing the value of playful educational methodologies in the training of health professionals. Additionally, the study encourages further research into human development across the life course and the promotion of humanized care practices in diverse educational settings.