By combining scientific knowledge and (absence) data, we constantly gain new insights and develop solutions for occupational health services. HumanTotalCare and Amsterdam UMC have been collaborating on research projects focused on data-driven prevention and absence management for some time now. To increase their impact, HumanTotalCare and Amsterdam UMC are now launching an academic workplace together.

From 'separate' projects to joining forces

HumanTotalCare and Amsterdam UMC are already working together on various research projects. Examples include Autism Works, research on how the timing of the first consultation during mental health-related absence impacts return to work, and the use of AI in occupational healthcare. Both parties are also partners in the national DESTRESS study. “All of our joint studies aim to gather information in the field of labor and health,” says Astrid de Wind, APH researcher and assistant professor of Occupational health at Amsterdam UMC.

“At the moment, curative care and occupational health and safety services often still operate in separate domains. Joining forces is therefore an important step forward. Together, by using data collected as part of occupational health services, we can generate new scientific insights, identify best practices, and develop effective solutions that contribute to the health and well-being of the working population in the Netherlands.”

Direction and coherence

The launch of this academic workplace goes beyond formalizing the existing collaboration. Robin Kok, senior consultant Research & Development at HumanTotalCare: “As an academic workplace you gain a stronger position, making it easier for example to apply for research grants. It also pushes you to define a clear focus and ensure coherence across the research projects you do. Naturally, we look closely at who we are as an organization, where we want to establish authority, and how we can increase our impact for working people in the Netherlands.” The academic workshop also offers benefits in terms of development. “We aim to allow researchers and occupational health and safety professionals to work together in an approachable way at the intersections of research, service delivery and education,” Robin continues. “This may lead to opportunities in teaching or taking courses at Amsterdam UMC, opportunities PhD research tracks and more.”

Official starting signal given

The starting signal for the academic workshop of HumanTotalCare and Amsterdam UMC was given recently. In doing so, Allard van der Beek, APH researcher and head of the Department of Public & Occupational Health at Amsterdam UMC, emphasized how important it is that science has access to practice and vice versa. Bridging this gap is essential for high-quality scientific research and applying proven insights in real-world settings. Norbert Hoogers, executive chairman of HumanTotalCare, underscores that desire for practical relevance: “Absenteeism is steadily increasing, putting growing pressure on employees, employers and also our occupational health and safety professionals. Our goal is that research leads to smart and effective solutions in practice; the bridge with science is crucial for the service and for the working people in the Netherlands.”

The official kick-off symposium will take place on July 2nd.

This article is copied and translated from the original article from HumanTotalCare.

Picture is from HumanTotalCare.