Corso di Laurea in Tecniche della Prevenzione nell'Ambiente e nei Luoghi di Lavoro - SNT/4

The course contributes to achieving the educational objectives of the Study Program and to the professional training of the Prevention Technician in Environmental and Occupational Health (TPALL), providing knowledge and skills that are directly applicable in professional practice, in particular for:

• Effectively communicating health risks to different stakeholders, using appropriate theories, models, and communication techniques relevant to the monitoring, verification, and prevention activities carried out by the TPALL;

• Designing and implementing primary prevention and health promotion interventions, aimed at reducing the incidence of diseases in living and working environments;

• Identifying and defining health problems, developing concrete approaches and objectives for health promotion interventions in the various professional contexts of the TPALL;

• Assessing and managing relational dynamics with different stakeholders, using methodological tools that enhance the effectiveness of daily professional activities.

This approach ensures that the skills acquired are immediately transferable and operational in the professional context of the TPALL.

At the end of the integrated course and individual study it is expected that students will be able, within the area of KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING, to:

• Understand the main theories and models of communication, as well as the different communicative and educational techniques applicable in Public Health, aimed at health promotion and risk prevention.

• Understand the principles of health promotion intervention design, including the key steps for defining health problems, selecting intervention strategies, and setting priorities in different professional contexts.

• Comprehend the differences between surveillance, training, and health promotion activities, recognizing the specific objectives and operational tools of each activity.

At the end of this course and individual study, students will be able, within the area of APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING, to:

• Plan and implement communication strategies that are coherent with different professional contexts and stakeholder groups.

• Convey health risk information and the results of prevention and health promotion interventions in a clear and understandable way.

• Design and evaluate educational activities and awareness campaigns, adapting language and communication tools to the characteristics of the audience and context.

• Identify and manage challenges related to health communication, improving the clarity and effectiveness of the messages delivered.

Within the area of COMMUNICATION SKILLS, students will have developed the ability to summarize, represent, and exemplify health promotion and risk prevention concepts using appropriate and scientifically grounded language. They will be able to communicate effectively with different stakeholders, both in individual and collective settings.

Finally, within the area of JUDGEMENT AUTONOMY, students will be able to:

• Independently select the most appropriate communication tools for different professional contexts.

• Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the communication strategies and interventions implemented.

• Access updated bibliographic and regulatory sources, integrating acquired knowledge to continuously improve professional practice.

The teaching methods employed will not only support the acquisition of theoretical knowledge but also the development of practical skills and the ability to independently access information sources, which are essential for continuous post-graduate professional development.

Health Promotion (SSP0040A)

• From the concept of Public Health to health promotion.
• Individual health promotion strategies: prevention, education, and health protection.
• Planning in health promotion: models, approaches, and logical steps in project design.
• Prioritization and definition of achievable and measurable objectives.

Methods and Tools of Communication (SSP0040B)

• Risk in Public Health: historical overview and the concept of the Risk Society.
• Risk Communication:
  • Types: Care, Consensus, and Crisis Communication.
  • Areas of application: environmental communication, safety communication, and health communication.
• Risk perception and communication: how perception affects message reception.
• Risk communication and scientific uncertainty: managing scientifically uncertain information and communicating it effectively.
• Drafting a risk communication plan:
  • Most effective communication channels.
  • The role of media and public relations.
• Case studies: analysis of practical experiences and application of learned principles.

Communication Assessment Tools (SSP0040C)

• Communication and professional role: principles of risk communication applied to training specific groups and in interactions with individuals and communities.
• Circular model of communication: feedback and interaction in communication processes.
• Communication axioms: theoretical foundations for professional practice.
• Active listening and mediation techniques: models by Ury, Brett, and Goldberg; management of cognitive dissonance.
• Interview techniques: practical tools for information gathering and effective interaction with different stakeholders.

Prevention Policies (SSP0040D)

• Preventive strategies: definition, taxonomy, and differences between mass and individual prevention in life and work contexts.
• Logic and assumptions for implementing prevention policies.
• Planning tools consistent with health promotion activities.
• Intersection of prevention and health promotion: challenges and intervention models.

The course is structured into 4 teaching modules, for a total of 4 ECTS credits, corresponding to 40 hours of instruction. Attendance is mandatory for at least 70% of the total hours.

Theoretical lessons are conducted in the classroom with the support of PowerPoint presentations and include interactive discussion sessions, such as question time and case study analyses. The course also provides practical group exercises focused on the analysis of real-life case studies.

All teaching materials, including slides, legislative references, and scientific literature, are made available on the Moodle platform and can be accessed by enrolled students.

The basic knowledge and skills acquired in each of the four teaching modules will be assessed through a written exam (open and closed questions; no penalties for incorrect answers), submitted on the Moodle platform during the official exam sessions and graded on a 30-point scale.

For the module Methods and Tools of Communication (SSP0040B), the assessment will also include a practical exercise conducted during the lessons, consisting of the presentation of a case study analyzed in small groups. The evaluation of the two components will be expressed on a 30-point scale, and the average of the two will constitute the final grade for the module.

In accordance with the curriculum, only students who have successfully completed the prerequisite requirements will be allowed to take the exam.

The final exam grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, will be calculated as the weighted average of the results obtained in the different modules. The exam is considered passed by achieving a minimum passing grade in each module (18/30).

The Commission reserves the right to round off the final mark also in relation to the results obtained in supplementary teaching.

The instructors of the integrated course make the teaching materials used during classroom lectures available on the Moodle platform, upon student registration, once the topics have been covered in class.

In addition, the instructors are available to answer students’ questions outside of lecture hours, by appointment. They can be contacted via email at the following addresses:

• alberto.borraccino@unito.it – for the modules Health Promotion (SSP0040A) and Prevention Policies (SSP0040D);

• tiziana.schiliro@unito.it – for the module Communication Methods and Tools (SSP0040B);

• g.bosco@unito.it – for the module Assessment Tools in Communication (SSP0040C).

Meetings can take place in person or online, through the instructors’ Webex virtual room, accessible at: https://unito.webex.com/meet/firstname.lastname.

In accordance with University guidelines (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disturbi-specifici-di-apprendimento-dsa/supporto), the instructors of the integrated course are available to adapt the delivery of lessons and assessment methods to support students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or other Special Educational Needs (SEN).

The teaching material provided in lectures for each of the 4 modules will be provided by the lecturer on the dedicated Moodle section