Hoitokohteen

Hoitokohteen is a Finnish term formed from hoito (care) and kohde (target), used to denote the object or focus of care and treatment. In healthcare and social services it commonly refers to the person, body part, condition or situational factor that is the intended recipient of interventions, assessment and monitoring.

In clinical practice the hoitokohteen definition guides care planning: needs and problems are identified, goals are set for the hoitokohteen state, and appropriate interventions are chosen. In nursing and rehabilitation the hoitokohde may be an individual patient, a functional ability such as mobility, or a specific symptom like pain. In public health or environmental management the term can extend to sites or populations targeted for measures such as infection control, sanitation improvements or preventive programs.

Documentation of the hoitokohteen typically includes diagnostic information, planned actions, responsible professionals and outcome indicators. The concept supports multidisciplinary collaboration by clarifying what is being treated and why. Ethical and legal considerations related to the hoitokohteen include informed consent, respect for autonomy, privacy of health information and prioritization of resources. Accurate identification and periodic reassessment of the hoitokohteen are central to person-centered, effective and accountable care.