Citation

Punnonen O. Safety Sci. 1995; 20(2-3): 225-229.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study is an impact evaluation of complementary courses for Occupational Health Nurses in a work situation. The qualitative research method was used in the evaluation. The course participants were interviewed by phone in three stages. The participants' needs and expectations were scored one month before the course, immediately after the course when the learning experiences were studied, and 11/2 years after the course, the impact on work was charted.78 of the participants from three courses held in 1990 were interviewed. The pre-course study showed that most of the needs expressed by the participants dealt with the workplace, i.e., work-related diseases and workplace surveys. Immediately after the course, the course expectations were very well met. The reactions concerning the training can be divided into three categories: satisfied (64% of the course participants), very satisfied (24%), and rather critical or dissatisfied (12%). The third stage was the charting of the impact of the training on the participants' work. Changes in work were classified into two sub categories: a change of work tasks indicating notable changes at work and changes in performance, that were qualitatively smaller changes at work.One fourth of the interviewed participants reported changes in work tasks, and three out of four had only changes in performance.The impact of the training is linked with the situation of the participants at the workplace. All the studied participants who changed their work tasks after the course were supported by the work organisation: i.e. colleague or supervisor. The trainers must create more methods and opportunities in which the home organisation can be an active partner in the training.