Training of child health skills in family and community medicine residences

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Abstract
Introduction: Competency-based education has been widely adopted in medical training. In Primary Health Care (PHC), child health represents a significant and priority demand. The Family and Community Medicine Residency Program (FCMRP), as a strategic educational setting, must include specific competencies for comprehensive paediatric care. Objective: To analyse the guidelines from the National Commission on Medical Residency (CNRM) and the Brazilian Society of Family and Community Medicine (SBMFC) regarding the development of child health competencies in FCMRP programs. Method: This is an exploratory-descriptive documental study conducted between April and November 2024, based on the analysis of official publications from CNRM and SBMFC. Thematic analysis enabled the identification of pedagogical guidelines and gaps in paediatric training. Results: The guidelines highlight essential paediatric competencies, such as growth monitoring and disease prevention, but lack detailed information on workload and specific teaching-learning strategies for child health. The development of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) emerges as a potential tool to bridge these gaps. Discussion: Beyond technical guidelines, it is necessary to strengthen political and institutional commitment to child health within the SUS, recognizing the role of family physicians as central to expanded and interprofessional care. Conclusion: Paediatric training in FCMRP programs requires greater standardization and depth. It is essential to align national guidelines with the needs of PHC, emphasizing comprehensive paediatric education and the development of specific competencies from the first year of residency.