potilaastuki

Potilaastuki is a Finnish term describing structured support for patients within the health care system. It encompasses information, guidance, advocacy, and practical and psychosocial help aimed at enabling patients to participate in their care, understand options, and navigate services. It is not a single nationwide program but a concept implemented through various actors in Finland’s health and social care system, including hospitals, primary care centers, municipal services, patient organizations, and volunteer networks. Availability and form vary by region and institution.

Services typically offered under potilaastuki include providing clear information about diagnoses, treatment options, and care pathways; assistance with scheduling and coordinating appointments; help with completing forms, accessing benefits and medications, and understanding patient rights; communication support for language barriers, hearing or cognitive needs; psychosocial support, peer mentoring, and caregiver support; and advocacy in care planning and decision-making, including representation in meetings if requested.

Rights and responsibilities: patients have the right to receive understandable information, to participate in decisions about their care, and to obtain assistance in understanding and exercising their rights; healthcare providers have duties to offer guidance, respect patient preferences, and ensure accessibility. Potilaastuki emphasizes patient dignity, equality, and safety, and seeks to reduce fragmentation in care.

Organization and access: in Finland, potilaastuki arrangements are typically organized at the municipal or hospital district level and may be provided by hospital patient services, social workers, dedicated patient counselors, or patient associations. Individuals can seek information through hospital information desks, municipal health and social services offices, or local patient organizations. Effectiveness relies on coordination among care teams and clear routes for obtaining support.