Hoitokokemus

Hoitokokemus is a Finnish term that describes the subjective experience of care by patients or clients within health and social care services. It covers the entire care process from admission to discharge and follow-up, and applies across inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, home care, and other service settings.

The concept focuses on how care is experienced rather than on clinical outcomes alone. Key dimensions include communication and the clarity of information, involvement in decisions about care, respect and dignity, safety and trust, continuity and coordination between different services, accessibility and timeliness, and the physical and emotional comfort of the care environment.

Measuring hoitokokemus typically involves patient-reported experience measures (PREMs), surveys, interviews, and feedback channels. The collected data are used for quality improvement, benchmarking, and policy development, while protecting patient privacy and ensuring ethical use of information.

Hoitokokemus is distinct from clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, though it relates to them. Positive experiences of care are associated with higher trust in providers, better adherence to treatment plans, and a stronger sense of security. Conversely, negative experiences can indicate gaps in communication, safety, or care coordination and may prompt system-level changes.

Factors influencing hoitokokemus include staff communication skills, language and health literacy, cultural sensitivity, staffing levels, organizational culture, and how well care is coordinated across services. Practical improvements involve clearer explanations, meaningful patient involvement, transparent discharge planning, and a supportive environment that respects patient preferences and needs.

See also: patient experience, PREMs, quality of care, patient safety.