Hoitoryhmä

Hoitoryhmää is a Finnish term used to describe a structured, multidisciplinary care group within health and social care systems. The word combines hoito (care) and ryhmä (group) and appears in policy discussions and professional practice to refer to teams that coordinate services for individuals or populations across different care settings. The term is not universally standardized, and its exact definition may vary by region or institution.

The stated purpose of a hoitoryhmää is to plan, coordinate, and monitor integrated care. Its aim is to ensure continuity of treatment, rehabilitation, and social support, reducing fragmentation between hospital, primary care, home care, and community services. The group typically develops shared care plans, tracks progress, and adjusts interventions in response to changing needs. By facilitating regular communication among professionals, the hoitoryhmää seeks to align medical, functional, and social goals with patient preferences.

Composition and procedures can vary, but a typical hoitoryhmää includes physicians, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and case managers. In some settings, patient representatives or family members may participate. The group usually operates through regular meetings, joint assessments, and documentation in electronic health records. Referrals, risk assessments, discharge planning, and follow-up arrangements are common activities, with clear leadership often provided by a designated clinician or care coordinator.

Settings for hoitoryhmää include hospitals, long-term care facilities, primary care networks, and home-care programs. Benefits are cited as improved care continuity, better goal alignment, and reduced unnecessary hospitalizations, though challenges include resource constraints and inter-system communication. See also: care team, multidisciplinary team, care coordination.