Viivehoito

Viivehoito is a term used in Finnish healthcare to describe the postponement of medical treatment beyond the point where it would be clinically advisable. Delays can be deliberate or caused by capacity constraints and may affect elective procedures, follow-up visits, or the initiation of therapy. The concept appears across areas such as cancer care, chronic disease management, and planned surgeries, where timeliness can influence outcomes.

Causes of viivehoito include patient-related factors (personal circumstances, symptom management, fear or uncertainty), system-related factors (waiting lists, staffing shortages, scheduling inefficiencies), and policy or clinical-priority decisions (triage criteria, resource allocation). Delays may be short or extended and can occur at various stages, from referral to treatment initiation.

Outcomes of delayed treatment vary. Potential risks include disease progression, increased symptoms, and higher overall costs. In some cases, delaying treatment may be appropriate, for example when further diagnostic information is needed or when patient preference dictates a trial of conservative management.

Management of viivehoito emphasizes transparent communication, informed consent, and shared decision-making. Clinicians use evidence-based triage criteria and, where possible, aim to minimize unnecessary delays by improving planning, resource use, and patient information. Health authorities may establish waiting-time targets to monitor and reduce avoidable delays.

Measurement of viivehoito relies on indicators such as time from referral to treatment, the proportion treated within target times, and documented reasons for delays. This concept highlights the balance between timely care, clinical judgment, and patient-centered decision-making.