Eterveys

Eterveys is a term used to describe the use of digital technologies to support health care and personal health management. It covers the collection, storage, retrieval, and exchange of health information, as well as services delivered via the internet or mobile networks, such as telehealth and online patient portals.

In Nordic and European contexts, eterveys often refers to e-health initiatives aimed at improving access to care, coordinating among providers, and increasing health-system efficiency. Core components include electronic health records, electronic prescriptions, digital health applications, remote monitoring, and telemedicine. National systems may offer patient portals for secure access to medical data, appointment management, and secure messaging with clinicians. Interoperability standards and shared data-exchange infrastructure enable different organizations to share information safely.

Benefits associated with eterveys include better continuity of care, greater patient engagement, reduced administrative burdens, and potential cost savings. Challenges include privacy and security risks, data governance, digital divide, and the need for compatible IT systems. Regulatory frameworks, such as data protection laws and health-information standards, govern how health data are collected, stored, and used.

See also: eHealth; telemedicine; electronic health record; patient portal; health information exchange.