Terveystarpeita

Terveystarpeita is a Finnish term used in public health to describe the health-related services and supports that individuals or populations require to achieve, maintain, or restore health. It covers preventive measures such as vaccinations and screenings, as well as acute and chronic medical care, rehabilitation, mental health services, palliative care, and social supports linked to health determinants. The concept also encompasses unmet or inadequately addressed needs within a community.

Assessing terveystarpeita involves identifying gaps between what people need and what is available or accessible. Methods often include population health surveys, analyses of service use and wait times, capacity assessments of facilities, and community or regional needs assessments. These assessments inform priority setting and resource allocation, particularly in contexts with limited resources or marked health disparities.

Determinants of health needs are diverse and include age, the burden of chronic disease, socioeconomic status, geographic location, ethnicity or language, and the structure of the health system. Addressing terveystarpeita requires attention to equity, affordability, and culturally appropriate care, as well as integration across primary, secondary, and social services to ensure coordinated responses.

Policy and system design aim to meet health needs through universal or near-universal access, strong primary care, timely access to services, and preventive and rehabilitative programs. Challenges include data gaps, measurement of unmet needs, exclusion or marginalization of vulnerable groups, and budget constraints that may lead to persistent shortages of necessary services.

Related topics include unmet medical need, health equity, needs assessment, and public health.