Qualitative study reveals managerial expectations for evidence-based practice among occupational health clinicians, highlighting knowledge, process, and human resource management needs.
Purpose The aim of this qualitative study is to describe the expectations of occupational health physicians and nurses regarding managerial support in evidence-based practice in occupational health care. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were collected from Finnish physicians and nurses working in occupational health services in Finland (n = 126). The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings As a result, three main categories were revealed: (1) knowledge management in occupational health care, (2) management of operative processes in occupational health care and (3) supportive human resource management in occupational health care. Originality/value In conclusion, supporting evidence-based practice in occupational health care requires investment in the development of staff competence. Evidence-based occupational health should be integrated into a culture at an attitudinal and practical level. Clear evidence-based guidelines, uniform processes and compliance with these play a key role. Promoting evidence-based occupational health involves knowledge management, operative process management and supportive human resource management skills.
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Päätalo et al. (2026) studied this question.
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