The effectiveness of Summer Schools in Occupational Health: an evaluation of three consecutive schools

Introduction
For three consecutive years 2008-2010, a two-week Summer School in Occupational Health was organised for OSH professionals from all over the world, in Munich. The aim of this study therefore was to obtain, besides sociodemographic and occupational background data, not only an evaluation of the different modules taught but foremost an evaluation of the different methods of teaching used. The study also aimed at evaluating whether the individual’s expectations of the Summer School were met and whether they retained and applied any of the knowledge taught. The study also asked whether an exchange with other participants on a personal and/or professional level had occurred. A final aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of Summer Schools in OSH from a personal and professional development point of view.

Methods
All participants (N=94) and non participants (N=81) of the past three schools were emailed a link to a closed questionnaire to fill out in survey monkey.

Results
71% of participants were able to use acquired knowledge, 12% got a pay rise after attending the school. Overall the large majority felt that their opinion was asked for more often, they had more respect from their supervisors and felt that the summer school attendance enhanced their chances to get a new job (62.5%), since 21% of all participants (10% for the non participants) moved to a new job since attending the summer school. 71% of participants correctly replied to knowledge questions relating to topics taught during the school.

Discussion
Summer schools in OSH seemed to be very popular amongst participants and results suggest that they enhanced the participant’s future professional development, taking into consideration though that the number of responders was quite low. The strongest point of the summer schools was the creation of a network serving professional as well as private purposes.