Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Didner, C
• Palmborg, M
• Hulten, P

Titel

The Leonardo Da Vinci Programme - Evaluation of Exchange Experiences Between Five European Poisons Centres

Ist Teil von

• Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 2008-06, Vol.46 (5), p.370-370

Erscheinungsjahr

2008

Quelle

Taylor & Francis

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Objective: The Leonardo Da Vinci Programme was adopted in 1994 with the aim to improve vocational education and experiences by collaboration between European countries, e.g. exchange visits, creation of networks and development of training and educational systems (1). Grants from this programme enabled visits between poisons centres in five different countries during 2006-2007. Only two centres (in Sweden and Slovakia) accomplished a bilateral exchange. Refusals by the National Agencies in the other countries resulted in unilateral visits from Sweden to Bulgaria, Lithuania and Romania. Each stay was 1-2 weeks long and the host country elaborated a suitable programme for the visitors. Specially requested presentations were held, e.g. on treatment strategies, methods for collection of data and management of antidotes. A survey was performed to evaluate the experiences. Methods: An evaluation form with 13 questions was sent to each participating country with a four graded answering scale. Staff members at the five poisons centres, involved in the Da Vinci activities, were asked to answer the questions. Results: We collected 25 anonymous answers. The most important results are as follows. The aim for the exchange and the duration of the visits were judged to be adequate by most of the respondents (16/25) but only half of them (11/25) thought that the time for planning was enough. Only a few participants had been involved in writing the Da Vinci application form and they thought that this work was time-consuming, "bureaucratic" and barely relevant. A majority agreed completely that their experience and knowledge in clinical toxicology were enhanced as well as improved language skills and cultural understanding (19/25). Two participants claimed that their work was not disturbed, but most persons daily routines were affected in various degrees. The participants felt encouraged to further collaboration (23/25) and recommended others to take part in similar projects (24/25). Comments expressed the opinion that bilateral exchange was desirable. Conclusion: The Leonardo Da Vinci Programme enables a great opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues at poisons centres in other EU-countries. However, to optimise the outcome of the visits, bilateral exchange is to be preferred.