päivystyslääkäri

Päivystyslääkäri is a Finnish term that translates to "on-call doctor" or "duty doctor" in English. This is a physician who is available to provide medical care outside of regular clinic hours, such as during evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays. Their primary role is to manage acute medical conditions and emergencies that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment.

Päivystyslääkäri can work in various settings, including hospital emergency departments (päivystyspoliklinikka), health centers, or even in a mobile capacity to visit patients at home if necessary. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of illnesses and injuries, performing initial assessments, ordering necessary tests, and deciding on the appropriate course of treatment, which may include hospital admission or referral to a specialist.

The workload of a päivystyslääkäri can be demanding, as they often deal with unpredictable situations and a diverse array of patient needs. They work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with nurses and other medical professionals to ensure timely and effective patient care. Access to a päivystyslääkäri is crucial for individuals experiencing sudden or severe health problems when their regular healthcare provider is unavailable.