hoitotoimen

Hoitotoimen is a term used in Finnish health care to describe actions performed by health professionals to maintain, restore, or promote a patient’s health, relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and support daily functioning. It encompasses nursing interventions, basic medical procedures, rehabilitation activities, and palliative care tasks carried out as part of a care plan. Hoitotoimen can be preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, or supportive in nature, and it is tailored to the individual patient’s needs.

Common examples of hoitotoimen include wound care and dressing changes, administration of medications (including injections), catheterization and drainage management, nutritional support and assisted feeding, hygiene and personal care, mobility and transfer assistance, positioning to prevent pressure injuries, monitoring of vital signs, and basic respiratory support. Education and guidance for patients and families on self-care and symptom management are also considered hoitotoimen.

The process typically begins with a patient assessment and the development of an explicit care plan. Before performing a hoitotoimen, consent is obtained when appropriate, and the action is carried out by a competent professional in accordance with safety and infection control standards. Outcomes are monitored and documented in the patient record to ensure continuity of care and quality assurance. Documentation also supports communication among members of the care team and may be used for legal and administrative purposes.

Legal and ethical principles underpin hoitotoimen: they must be performed within the professional scope of practice, with respect for patient autonomy, privacy, and dignity. In Finnish health care, hoitotoimen are a central element of daily practice in hospitals, primary care, and social and health services, guiding both care delivery and quality improvement.