hoitoketjut

Hoitoketjut, or care pathways, are predefined sequences of health and social care activities designed to guide a patient through a coordinated course of care for a specific condition or patient group. They outline typical steps, who is responsible for each task, what information must be shared, and the expected timelines from first contact to discharge or transfer to another service.

A hoitoketju describes the journey across care settings, such as primary care, hospitals, rehabilitation, and social services. It typically includes initial assessment, referral and triage, diagnostics or assessments, treatment or interventions, follow-up, rehabilitation, and discharge planning. The aim is to promote evidence-based, timely, and patient-centered care, while reducing unnecessary variation in practice and improving safety and efficiency.

Implementation of hoitoketjut varies by country and region, and in Finland they are often developed by health and social care authorities or regional cooperation bodies. They may be disease-specific (for example stroke, myocardial infarction, cancer care) or address broader patient groups. Digital health tools, electronic health records, and performance dashboards are commonly used to support standardization, information exchange, and monitoring of outcomes and compliance with timetables.

Benefits of hoitoketjut include improved coordination across care boundaries, shorter waiting times, more predictable care trajectories, and better patient experience. Challenges include balancing standardization with individual needs, ensuring interoperability of information systems, managing change among professionals, and maintaining up-to-date pathways with evolving evidence and resources.

See also: clinical pathway, care coordination, integrated care, discharge planning.