From “separate” projects to joining forces

HumanTotalCare and Amsterdam UMC are already working together on several studies. Examples include Autisme Werkt (Autism Works), the effect of the timing of the first consultation in cases of psychological absenteeism on work resumption and AI applications in occupational health care. In addition, both parties are partners in the national study DESTRESS. ‘All our joint studies aim to gather information in the field of labour and health,’ says Astrid de Wind, associate professor of “Labour and Health” at Amsterdam UMC. “Currently, curative care and occupational health and safety services are often still separate worlds. Joining forces is therefore an important step forward. Together, based on data collected in the context of service provision, we can generate new scientific insights, identify the best practices and develop effective solutions that contribute to promoting the health and well-being of working Netherlands.”

Direction and coherence

Starting this academic workplace is more than formalising the current cooperation. Robin Kok, senior consultant at R&D: “As an academic workplace, you are stronger and it becomes easier to apply for research grants, for instance. It also forces you to take a clear course on content and coherence in the research you do. In which, of course, we look with a keen eye at who we are as an organisation, in which we want to be the authority and how we can mean more to workers in the Netherlands.” The academic workplace also offers advantages in terms of development. ‘We aim to allow researchers and health and safety professionals to work together in an approachable way at the intersections of research, service provision and education,’ Robin continues. ‘This can lead to opportunities in teaching or taking courses at Amsterdam UMC, opportunities for PhD research et cetera.’

Official starting signal given

The starting signal for the academic workplace of HumanTotalCare and Amsterdam UMC was given recently. In doing so, Allard van der Beek, head of the Department of Public & Occupational Health at Amsterdam UMC, emphasised the importance of science having access to practice and vice versa. Building that bridge is indispensable for good scientific research and applying the proven effective insights it brings. Norbert Hoogers, executive chairman of HumanTotalCare, underlines this desire for practical applicability: “Absenteeism is increasing in trend and with it the pressure on people, employers, but also our health and safety professionals. The aim is therefore that research leads to smart and effective solutions in practice; the bridge with science is crucial for the service and working Netherlands.”