Potilastietopalvelut

Potilastietopalvelut, also known as patient data services, refers to the systems and processes used to store, manage, and access patient health information. These services are crucial for the continuity of care, enabling healthcare professionals to have a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history, treatments, medications, and allergies. In Finland, the primary platform for these services is Kanta, managed by Kela (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland). Kanta's patient data repository allows authorized healthcare providers to access patient records securely, regardless of where the patient has received care within the country.

The core components of potilastietopalvelut include electronic health records (EHRs), which are digital versions of a patient's paper chart. These records contain a wide range of information, from diagnostic reports and physician's notes to laboratory results and imaging studies. Access to these services is strictly regulated to protect patient privacy and comply with data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Patients themselves also have rights regarding their data, including the ability to view their own records and grant or revoke access permissions to certain information. The development and implementation of potilastietopalvelut aim to improve healthcare efficiency, reduce medical errors, and empower patients in managing their health.