Melika Azim Zadegan: From Vision to Action: Lessons from Finland’s Digital  Healthcare Journey  

In the constantly changing healthcare environment, Finland stands out as a leader in innovation, particularly in the field of digital healthcare. The key to Finland’s success lies in its dedication to innovation and collaboration, which is driving a digital transformation in healthcare delivery. By leveraging technology and data, the country aims to improve patient outcomes, streamline care processes, and establish a culture of ongoing improvement. As Finland grapples with the challenges of contemporary healthcare, its experiences provide valuable lessons and insights for countries across the globe.

In this blog post, I delve into Finland’s pioneering efforts in healthcare digitalization, exploring the successes, challenges, and future aspirations of a nation at the forefront of healthcare innovation.  

1. Collaboration and Co-Creation

Finland owes much of its success in healthcare digitalization to its collaborative ethos. The country fosters an environment of innovation and co-creation by bringing together healthcare professionals, patient organizations, and technology experts. This collaborative approach ensures that digital solutions are not only technically sound but also aligned with patient needs and preferences.  

2. Patient-Centric Approach

Finland’s patient-centric approach extends beyond simply incorporating patient feedback. The country actively engages patients in the co-design and development of digital healthcare solutions. This ensures that technologies align with patient preferences and are intuitive to use. In addition to improving patient outcomes and satisfaction, Finland’s emphasis on patient-centricity fosters a sense of empowerment and trust among healthcare consumers. Patients feel more involved in their own care, leading to better adherence to treatment plans and improved overall health management.   

3. Infrastructure Investment  

Finland has made substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, which encompass more than just the establishment of digital platforms. In addition to developing digital healthcare services, the country has also invested in robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data and ensure privacy in the increasingly digital healthcare landscape. These investments not only facilitate the adoption of digital healthcare services but also provide a solid foundation for future innovation. By building scalable and interoperable systems, they have created a flexible infrastructure that can adapt to evolving technological advancements and changing healthcare needs.  

4. Change Management and Training

Finland acknowledges that digital transformation in healthcare is about more than just implementing new technologies; it necessitates a cultural shift within healthcare organizations. To accomplish this, they invest in comprehensive change management strategies that focus on fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Training programs in Finland go beyond basic technical skills, to encompass broader competencies such as digital literacy, data analytics, and user-centered design. These programs empower healthcare professionals to become digital champions within their organizations, driving adoption and innovation from the ground up. Finland’s approach to change management and training puts emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation. By equipping healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge neccessary to navigate change effectively and sustainably, Finland is able to ensure that its digital transformation efforts are successful.  

5. Cost-Effective Solutions

Finland’s dedication to cost-effective digital healthcare solutions is in line with its mission to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. By using digital technologies to simplify administrative procedures, automate routine tasks, and decrease unnecessary healthcare utilization, Finland can save significant costs without compromising patient care. Furthermore, their emphasis on preventive care and early intervention through digital health interventions helps to reduce long-term healthcare expenses associated with chronic disease management and hospital admissions. By encouraging wellness and proactive healthcare management, the nation’s digitalization initiatives contribute to a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system. Notably, Finland recognizes that investing in digital healthcare infrastructure and innovation upfront yields long-term rewards in the form of better health outcomes, reduced healthcare spending, and improved patient satisfaction. This strategic approach to healthcare investment ensures that resources are allocated effectively to maximize both short-term savings and long-term value (1).     

Health Sector Growth and Competitiveness Vision for 2030

Looking ahead to 2030, Finland envisions a healthcare system that leverages digital technologies and health data to optimize resource allocation, improve treatment outcomes, and prioritize preventive care. Key pillars of Finland’s vision include:  

• The utilization of health data  
• Shift towards preventive healthcare  
• Integration of genome data  
• Innovation-friendly environment  
• EU market engagement.   

Finland aims to lead global healthcare reform and pave the way for a healthier tomorrow through collaboration, patient-centricity, infrastructure investment, change management, and cost-effective solutions(2).   

Last words…  

Finland’s healthcare digitalization journey presents invaluable lessons for improving healthcare globally. Through collaboration, a focus on the patient, infrastructure investment, effective change management, and cost-efficient solutions, the nation has spearheaded transformative change. Emphasizing co-creation ensures that digital solutions are tailored to meet patients’ needs, while a robust infrastructure and comprehensive training support sustainable innovation. By prioritizing preventive care and leveraging data, Finland aspires to take the lead in global healthcare reform by the year 2030. Essentially, this approach highlights the significance of vision, action, and collaboration in creating a healthier future for all.  

Read more:  

Interested in the topic of patient empowerment? Check out my previous blog post:  ‘Patient Empowerment: Does it truly matter?’   

References:  

1. Siemens Healthineers. (2020). Achieving Healthcare Happiness – The Finland Model. Siemens Healthineers Insights Series, Issue 15.    

2.Lehto, P., & Malkamäki, S. (2023). The Finnish health sector growth and competitiveness vision 2030, (Outlook No. 29) Helsinki: Sitra.   

Melika Azim Zadegan works as a doctoral researcher in the Neuro-Innovation PhD programme. Her research focuses on remote iNPH patient monitoring.