[Evaluation of optional module "introduction to family medicine" from the medicine student's opinion].

With the purpose of assessing the current program and to adequate its activities to the students' needs, we perform periodical evaluations based on the opinions of the participants involved. During 2002, a new academic plan was implemented for the optional Module "Introduction to Family Medicine", destined to generate professional abilities according to the postulates of the biopsychosocial paradigm. The objective of this study is to evaluate de development of this new academic proposal. We analyzed 132 questionnaires (83% of the population) filled by students that attended the Module during 2002 and 2003. The evaluation consisted on structured questions (answers in numeric scale) and open questions. With the closed questions, we obtained a majority of favorable opinion about the progress of the activities, the modality of work and performance of the educational team. Open questions were classified according to the coincidence and diversity of the opinions. We concluded that this evaluation is appropriate to optimize the progress of the course. From the suggestions provided by the students, we concluded that it would be useful to extend eyewitness activities and to start earlier the rotations at the Department of Family Medicine. After these modifications are made, it would be helpful to perform a new evaluation.