Training on evidence-based balneotherapy for medical students: the experience of the University of Parma

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Training on evidence-based balneotherapy for medical students: the experience of the University of Parma

Authors

  • Michele Antonelli AUSL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • Federica Fasano University of Parma, Italy
  • Licia Veronesi University of Parma, Italy
  • Davide Donelli Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
  • Marco Vitale University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; FoRST-Fondazione per la Ricerca Scientifica Termale, Rome, Italy
  • Cesira Pasquarella University of Parma, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7579-4827

Keywords:

balneotherapy, thermal water, medical training, evidence-based medicine, health

Abstract

Understanding the scientifically proven properties of balneotherapy is a valuable element in the training of future medical doctors. This article describes the experience, since 2021, at the University of Parma, of teaching the benefits and limits of balneotherapy in the light of the scientific evidence. The Elective Teaching Activity (ETA), titled “Balneotherapy and Health: Scientific Evidence and Future Perspectives”, offers 1 university educational credit to students, and takes place over two consecutive days. The course contents are the following: an overview of the history of thermal baths, specific terminology and classification of water- and mud-based treatments, interpretation of scientific evidence, results of major studies on the topic, regulatory aspects and practical balneotherapy, a virtual tour of a health resort, bibliography, and contacts for further exploration of the subject. In 2023, at the end of the ETA, students were asked to evaluate the course. On average, participants' knowledge of balneotherapy increased by 42%, while their ability to critically evaluate scientific evidence increased by 20%. All students would recommend the course to their peers. This ETA not only enriches the academic training of medical students but also prepares them to consider balneotherapy as a valid and scientifically supported option in treating various pathologies. (www.actabiomedica.it)

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How to Cite

1.
Antonelli M, Fasano F, Veronesi L, Donelli D, Vitale M, Pasquarella C. Training on evidence-based balneotherapy for medical students: the experience of the University of Parma. Acta Biomed [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct. 5];95(5):e2024149. Available from: https://mail.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/16285

Issue

Section

ACADEMY

How to Cite

1.
Antonelli M, Fasano F, Veronesi L, Donelli D, Vitale M, Pasquarella C. Training on evidence-based balneotherapy for medical students: the experience of the University of Parma. Acta Biomed [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct. 5];95(5):e2024149. Available from: https://mail.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/16285