Hälsoutvärdering

Hälsoutvärdering is a systematic assessment of an individual's health status, functioning, risk factors, and needs conducted by healthcare professionals. It is used in clinical care, occupational health, public health research, and education to form a basis for decisions about treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and support.

The process typically starts with consent and a referral or request. Data collection may include medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and relevant specialized tests. A psychosocial assessment and functional evaluation of activities of daily living and work capacity are often included. Tools such as standardized questionnaires and risk screenings may be employed to identify mental health concerns, lifestyle factors, and disease risk. The resulting health profile informs recommendations for medical treatment, preventive actions, lifestyle changes, rehabilitation, or accommodations in work or education. Clear communication of findings to the individual and, with consent, to appropriate stakeholders is essential, with strict attention to confidentiality and data protection.

Contexts for hälsoutvärdering vary. In occupational health, it may assess fitness for specific work tasks or return-to-work potential after illness. In primary care or preventive medicine, it supports early detection and management of health risks. In research, it may describe health status patterns in populations. Ethical considerations emphasize autonomy, informed consent, privacy, and the avoidance of bias or stigmatization. Limitations include variability in tools, cultural differences, and the potential for over- or under-diagnosis. Overall, hälsoutvärdering aims to support informed care, preventive strategies, and tailored interventions to improve health outcomes.