[Training of field professionals in Switzerland health prevention projects]

Following various difficulties during prevention programs, an interdisciplinary training course in project management was set up for professionals working in the field. Sessions devoted to theoretical aspects alternated with workshops aimed at problem-solving strategies. The intention of the course was to equip the participants with relevant operational tools. The twenty-seven participants came from twelve different professional backgrounds. Fourty-two hours of training were given over a period of nine months. Two physicians specialized in public health accompanied the course throughout, seven invited speakers joined the group for occasional sessions. The evaluation was positive for the teaching methods used and the variety of subjects covered. The analysis of practical experiences has proved to be a powerful learning tool and a vehicle for interdisciplinary exchanges. The course has highlighted the isolation of the professionals in the field, the absence of common points of reference and the resulting difficulties in communication and collaboration. This experience has clearly shown the need for a well-defined standard model in project management and for intensive training of the professionals in the field.