Knowledge management in occupational health, consequences for structures and functions

Expertise on work and health topics is the foundation for the added value of occupational health professionals to the health of the working population. Professionals should practise in accordance with high-quality standards and latest evidence. An adequate knowledge infrastructure is needed to support the professionals to remain up to date. Occupational health professionals have to discuss opportunities to strengthen knowledge management and infrastructure. Occupational health services can offer information and communication technology (ICT) facilities; stimulate organizational conditions and human resource development to implement evidence-based practice strategies. On a national level, a well-designed virtual library, tailor-made for occupational health, is essential. This library can be supplemented by a network of expert groups on various topics. As an example for progress, the Dutch Knowledge Infra-Structure program is presented including projects delivering appropriate search strategies for occupational health. In a project to strengthen the infrastructure itself, efforts concentrated on the development of a national portal for occupational health professionals including a virtual library, a network of expert groups and other facilities.