helsefelt

Helsefeltet is a Norwegian term used to describe the system and community involved in health and health care. It is not a formal discipline but a broad umbrella covering public agencies, health professionals, researchers, patient organizations and institutions whose work relates to health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. In everyday language, one speaks of “i helsefeltet” to refer to matters concerning health.

Etymology: The term is composed of helse, health, and felt, field, with the definite form helsefeltet. It is used mainly in Norwegian-language public discourse, policy texts and academic writing to designate the sector as a whole rather than a single organization.

Scope and components: The health field includes hospitals, municipal health services, general practitioners, specialists, public health authorities, researchers, patient organizations, insurers and regulators. It also encompasses the social determinants of health, health promotion, preventive programs, care pathways and governance structures.

Relation to related terms: Helsefeltet overlaps with, but is not identical to, the health service (helsevesenet) or the health care system. It is commonly used when discussing systemic issues, cross‑sector collaboration or the overall landscape of health activity. International equivalents include Danish sundhedsfeltet, Swedish hälsofältet, and English “the health field” or “the health sector.”

See also: Health in Norway; Public health; Health policy; Sociology of health and illness.