The Roots of Health Education: The Contribution of Civil and Religious Hospital Communities in Medieval Padania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7346/-fei-XXIII-01-25_21Keywords:
Civic Education, Social Crisis, Active Citizenship, Educational Resilience, History of MedicineAbstract
The paper explores the crucial role of civil and religious hospital communities in shaping health education during the Middle Ages in the Padania region. Through an analysis of the origins, development, and educational practices of these institutions, the study highlights how they significantly contributed to the dissemination of medical and hygienic knowledge among the population. The paper outlines the importance of hospital communities not only as centers of care but also as educational agents capable of influencing health practices and local public policies. A specific case study—the Ca' Granda of Milan—delves into the impact of a single hospital community on local society, illustrating the dynamics between these institutions and the socio-economic and cultural context of medieval Padania. Finally, the article reflects on the legacy left by these communities in the field of health education and their relevance to contemporary studies in the history of medicine and health education.
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