RESUMO
The SALeM (Surveillance for apprentices and minors at work) is the first dossier aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a public health program in Italy. Here we describe the main results achieved and the main methodological difficulties faced during its gathering. Aim of the dossier was to collect and weigh up all the available evidence of effectiveness referred to the program of health surveillance of apprentices and minors at work in non risky environments, as it is planned by the Italian National Health System. We chose this subject for feasibility reasons (given the limited resources available), and for its paradigmatic essence (we applied the methodology for the first time). The results achieved stress the standing difficulties in public health when the effectiveness evaluation of a running program is necessary. Broadest possibilities of deeper evaluation are more feasible for programs implemented ex novo. Authors conclude that, anyhow, when evaluating the effectiveness of public health program introduced ex novo the experience of Italy is still under construction and knowledge has to be lended from foreign countries.