In the research project F 5189 of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (FIOSH, German acronym BAuA), didactic models for qualifications in occupational medicine were developed in line with §3 of the German Occupational Safety Act (German acronym AsiG). These models were put into practice in courses in modern European occupational safety at the academy for occupational medicine and health protection in the Medical Association Berlin and at the academy for social and occupational medicine in Baden-Wuerttemberg between July 2001 and June 2003. Aim: In 2004 the Bavarian academy for occupational, social and environmental medicine integrated the idea of teamwork and role games involving casuistics into their training programmes. In addition to imparting specialized knowledge of topics central to occupational medicine, the courses attempted to give the participants information and abilities which would be useful on a long-term basis, independent of the branch of industry involved — so-called key qualifications. These key qualifications include flexibility, ability to communicate, to co-operate and function socially, ability to work in a team and to co-operate with persons from other disciplines. Method: The concept produced a course extending over three training units. In course A, the participants were introduced to the basics of communication and conflict management. In course B topics of co-operation such as group dynamics and presentation techniques were demonstrated and in course C interdisciplinary co-operation was practised. In our example the participants led a committee meeting on industrial safety and a working group on psychosocial stress. First the participants were taught the theoretical basis, then practice was obtained in role games. The role games were based on everyday occupational medical situations. Results: The role games were discussed with all the participants together in the light of theoretical considerations. Conclusions: Finally it was essential to assure transfer of the newly acquired knowledge into everyday professional life. The courses were carried out in this form for the first time in 2004.
