avohoito

Avohoito, literally "outpatient care" in Finnish, refers to medical care delivered to individuals who do not require an overnight stay in a hospital. Outpatient services cover a broad range of activities performed in clinics and other facilities outside inpatient wards.

Typical services include primary care provided by general practitioners and nurses at health centers, specialist outpatient consultations, diagnostic testing (laboratory work, imaging), rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. Outpatient care also encompasses preventive services such as vaccinations and routine screenings.

Organization: In Finland, public outpatient care is primarily organized by municipalities within the public health system. Specialist outpatient care is coordinated by hospital districts. Private providers operate clinics that can be reimbursed by the public system, offering additional access and shorter wait times.

Access and funding: Most residents access avohoito through local health centers; many visits are subsidized with user fees and a yearly cap on costs. For several specialists, a referral from primary care is typically required, while certain urgent services may be accessed directly.

Impact and trends: Avohoito aims to deliver timely diagnosis and treatment outside hospitals, reducing the need for inpatient care. Challenges include regional differences in access, wait times, and staffing. Telemedicine and digital services are increasingly used to expand reach and efficiency.