Potilauta

Potilauta, meaning "patient board" in Finnish, refers to a board used in healthcare to present essential patient information for care coordination and communication. It can be a physical whiteboard mounted in a patient room or corridor, or a digital display integrated with the hospital information system. The purpose is to provide an at-a-glance overview to staff during rounds and handovers, and to support transparency with the patient and family where appropriate.

Common content includes patient identification (name, room/bed), current status, diagnosis or main problems, active treatment plan, planned procedures or tests, allergies and cautions, fall risk and isolation status, pending results, and upcoming handovers or discharges. Information is typically limited to non-sensitive data on public-facing boards, with more detailed data protected by privacy rules and access controls.

Layout and content vary by ward and institution. Some boards use color coding, section labels, and update protocols to ensure timely and accurate information. Digital potilautas may synchronize with electronic health records so changes in orders or results appear automatically, while physical boards rely on staff updates.

Critically, potilauta supports communication, reduces miscommunication, and aids care planning, but should be used in a privacy-conscious manner and updated regularly to reflect current patient status.

See also: ward board, patient handover, electronic health record, inpatient documentation.