In contrast with the conclusions of the National Audit Office's report, the Ministry announced that significant results have been achieved at national level. Electronic prescription, electronic health records and the possibility for patients to view their own data in such records have been made available in several municipalities. Adoption is expanding gradually, and municipalities are getting equipped with the appropriate systems while user trainings are provided.
Only the best local projects have been turned into nationwide projects, based on their adaptability to diverse options and situations.
The social and health care IT projects are aimed at establishing an information system that is both local and regional. Some of the services are implemented at national level, some at local level, so that the varying needs of the Finnish regions can be taken into account. Cooperation between regions is ensured by common standards.
While healthcare service providers are responsible for their own systems, they must use the same content and communication standards in order to join the national information system. Healthcare centres and hospital districts traditionally acquired patient information systems independently, but since 2000, regional cooperation in the procurement of such systems has gradually become more common.
In the future, the nationwide social and healthcare information system will be developed as part of the information management package of the dedicated government programme.
Further information: