Suoriteperusteessa

Suoriteperusteessa is a Finnish term describing a payment or funding model that is based on performed units of work or services delivered, rather than on time worked or fixed overall budgets. The related adjective suoriteperusteinen refers to such a model. In this context, a unit can be a tangible service element such as a patient visit, procedure, rehabilitation session, or other defined service delivery.

In public sector services, particularly health and social care, suoriteperusteinen rahoitus means that service providers are paid for the actual units of service they deliver according to predefined unit prices. This model is used by municipalities and central authorities in Finland to promote transparency and accountability, and it is common in the procurement of care services, rehabilitation, home care, and some social welfare contracts. It may also appear in contracts for early childhood education and related services.

Proponents emphasize several advantages: a clearer link between activity and funding, potential cost containment, and easier budgeting for payers. Critics point to potential drawbacks, such as an emphasis on quantity over quality, incentives to maximize units rather than outcomes, and risks of upcoding or gaming without proper controls. Effective use requires clear definitions of units, reliable data systems, appropriate unit prices, and quality safeguards, such as outcome measures and regular audits.

Suoriteperusteessa is one of several performance-based financing approaches used in Finland’s public service market. It is typically considered alongside other funding methods, including cost-based, global budgets, or mixed models, depending on policy goals and service area.