Knowledge systems and public health

The knowledge and information systems (KIS) perspective arose from reflections on agricultural development. In the health sector, it is not quite as common to think in terms of KIS. Yet in this complex field, in which health education and promotion play increasingly important roles, the KIS perspective might be very useful. In this article, the authors attempt to apply ideas about KIS and knowledge management to health, by paying attention to the historical development, especially of public health, and by exploring the contribution these ideas could make to the field. Some of the observations made in this attempt are: upstream information flows often are developed poorly, interaction and exchange among the different KIS parties require ongoing stimulation, in special projects and complex communication situations, a system-integrator is needed. Maria Koelen is a staff member of the Department of Extension Science, Wageningen Agricultural University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands, and is responsible for the department's research and courses on health education.