The Role of Nurses in Developing of e-Health Services Case Finland

Abstract

In Finland the first national strategy for health care development with technology was launched in 1995 [1], in which the change of future service structure was recognized. According the strategy the change required the development of working methods as well as the development of knowledge and skills of health care staff. Due to the change in treatment practices, the occupational structure has changed, especially in the field of specialized health care, towards highly qualified personnel. The change of working life required new capabilities from the staff as well as multi-professional team work across the both in and outside of organizations. At that time effective and versatile utilization of both information and telecommunication technologies needed continuous training, the development of a knowledge-based level and the re-evaluation of work processes. The participation of patients, citizens and customers and self-reliance required new training of health care staff. Citizen support meant providing expert assistance and information to the citizen and citizen growing involvement in decision-making. Since then in Finland, the development of eSocial and eHealth services has been advanced systematically for over two decades.