The information market has been transformed with the introduction of concepts such as globalisation, Internet and the World Wide Web, genomics and stem cell research, patient knowledge and the rise of public interest and participation in healthcare decisions. In fact, patients and citizens demand the same information that is available to physicians, nurses and public health departments, and this revolution has changed the way libraries serve information needs and design information services. Thus, the new questions are: Where is the future of health knowledge management? How can information services and health organizations lead improvements in the quality and efficiency of health care, education and research? How are information strategies related with policy debates about security and reliability of health information? This Ist European Conference aims to address these questions, through sharing experience of experts from throughout Europe and beyond.

The conclusions of this conference will be included in a report to be presented to Governments, the European Union and consumer groups and health information service providers.