Hoitofaktorit

Hoitofaktorit is a Finnish term used in nursing science and health services research to refer to the factors that influence the quality, effectiveness, and safety of care. The concept covers factors related to the patient, the care providers, and the care organization and processes. It is used to analyze why care varies between settings and to identify targets for improvement.

Patient-related factors include age, health status, functional and cognitive capacity, chronic diseases and comorbidities, and social support. Provider-related factors include education and training, clinical experience, workload, communication and teamwork skills, and burnout. Organizational factors include staffing levels, leadership and culture, guidelines and protocols, resource availability, and organizational priorities. Process factors include care planning, continuity of care, handoffs, patient engagement, and safety practices. Technological and environmental factors include access to information systems, availability of equipment, and the physical care environment.

Hoitofaktorit influence outcomes such as treatment adherence, recovery, length of hospital stay, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. They are assessed in observational studies, surveys, audits, and the use of quality indicators, although measurements are often context dependent and methodologically challenging.

In practice, the concept guides quality improvement, policy development, and research by identifying leverage points for enhancing care. The term is predominantly used in Finnish-language sources, with cross-cultural equivalents such as care determinants or factors affecting care in other languages.