Terveystiedotus

Terveystiedotus, or health information dissemination, refers to the planned and coordinated distribution of accurate health information to the public, patients, professionals, and other stakeholders to promote health, prevent disease, and support informed decision-making. It covers planning, producing, and delivering messages about health topics, services, risk factors, and healthy lifestyles, and emphasizes clear, accessible language to support health literacy.

In Finland, terveystiedotus is a core function of public health and health promotion. It is carried out by national and local authorities, public health institutes such as the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), educational institutions, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations. Methods include mass media campaigns, online information, printed materials, school programs, workplace health communications, and community outreach, as well as risk and crisis communication.

The main goals are to improve understanding, enable informed choices, promote effective health behaviors, and maintain public trust in health information. Messages are tailored to different audiences, including children and youth, immigrants, and the elderly, and often require collaboration with health professionals to provide accurate patient information and guidance. Evaluation of reach, comprehension, and behavior change is increasingly used to guide practice.

Terveystiedotus sits at the intersection of health communication and health promotion. It supports health literacy, complements clinical care, and informs policy and program development. In the digital era, it emphasizes accessibility, transparency, evidence-based content, and responsible use of social media to combat misinformation.