Terveysammattilaisen

Terveysammattilainen is the Finnish term for a health professional, referring to individuals trained and authorized to provide health-related services. The group is broad and includes physicians, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other licensed clinicians, as well as public health workers and allied health professionals. The exact scope depends on national and local regulations.

Education and regulation: Most health professionals undergo formal higher education and receive professional registration or licensure to practice. In Finland, licensure and ongoing oversight are administered by relevant regulatory authorities and professional bodies to ensure competence, ethics, and patient safety. Many professions require continuing education to maintain registration and stay current with best practices.

Work settings: Terveysammattilaiset work in hospitals, clinics, primary care centers, pharmacies, dental practices, mental health services, rehabilitation facilities, and community or home-based care. They collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness, promote health, and support patients and families through care plans and education.

Ethics and responsibilities: Core obligations include patient confidentiality, informed consent, maintaining competence, and professional accountability. They contribute to health decisions, provide evidence-based care, and advocate for patient welfare and public health.

Genitive form: The word terveysammattilaisen is the genitive form used in phrases such as terveysammattilaisen oikeudet (the health professional’s rights) or terveysammattilaisen vastuu (the health professional’s responsibility).

See also: List of health care professionals; Health care in Finland; Regulation of health professions.