Potilasdataa

Potilasdataa, or patient data, refers to information related to an individual's health status and care. It includes personal identifiers (such as name and date of birth), medical history, diagnoses, treatments, medications, laboratory test results, imaging data, immunizations, allergies, care plans, consent records, and billing information. The data may be stored in electronic health records, laboratory information systems, radiology systems, and patient portals, and it can be exchanged among health care providers, laboratories, pharmacies, insurers, and public health authorities as needed for care, coordination, payment, and health system planning.

Uses and handling of potilasdataa aim to support accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, safety, and continuity of care. It enables care teams to coordinate services, monitor outcomes, conduct quality improvement, and support medical research, often in aggregated or anonymized form to protect individual privacy. Data sharing is governed by strict access controls and data protection measures to minimize risks.

Privacy, security, and rights are central to the handling of potilasdataa. Access is typically limited to authorized health professionals and staff, with measures such as authentication, encryption, and audit logging. Data minimization and retention policies aim to keep only necessary information for as long as required. Individuals have rights under applicable law, including access to their data, correction of inaccuracies, and, in some cases, deletion, restriction, or data portability. Consent and data-sharing agreements govern how data may be used for purposes beyond direct care and research.

Legal framework for potilasdataa in Finland rests on the EU General Data Protection Regulation and national health information laws and policies. This framework seeks to balance the medical value of data with the protection of patient privacy and data security.