Information management in health and social services
Information enables an effective and sustainable health and social services system. Health and social care information management refers to the ways in which data in the health and social services sector is collected, managed and shared reliably and efficiently between different actors.
Every day, information is generated in health and social services about people’s health and wellbeing, as well as about services and how well they function.
THL steers and develops information management in the health and social services sector to ensure that recorded data serves citizens, professionals and decision-makers effectively.
Everyone Benefits from smooth information management
Recorded information is important for citizens using services, as it strengthens their engagement in their own wellbeing and care.
When service organisers manage and use health and social care data systematically, it supports service development, responsible decision-making and sustainable public finances. Effective information management is a key part of organising health and social services.
Citizens benefit from having accurate and accessible information, even when they use several different health and social services or service locations.
Information management is also being developed for cross-border healthcare. For example, if a citizen needs prescription medicines in another EU country, the necessary information can be securely transmitted from Finland to a pharmacy abroad.
Uniform health and social care data requires management and expertise
Information is built into information systems for use by health and social care professionals. Professionals are guided to record, process and use data throughout its lifecycle.
Common data structures, national requirements and operating models ensure that information is secure and can be used for multiple purposes.
High‑quality data:
- supports the daily work of professionals
- improves the quality of services
- enables the reuse of information recorded once in care and service delivery, management and research.
THL guides health and social care information management
THL implements information management in health and social services based on legislation and national policies.
Guidance provides common structures for data, shared rules for recording and processing it, requirements for system interoperability, and the principles for information security.
Steering of Information management
Tasks in Information Management
- THL’s role is to define uniform requirements, guidelines and models for information systems and information management concerning functionality, interoperability and data security. THL’s regulations are binding on all actors in health and social services.
- Service providers are responsible for aligning their operations with these common structures: ensuring high-quality documentation, securing interoperable information systems and supplying data for use in decision-making.
THL kokoaa ja jalostaa sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon tietoja tilastoiksi, rekistereiksi ja indikaattoreiksi. Tämä yhteinen tietopohja tarjoaa päättäjille ja kansalaisille ajantasaisen ja riippumattoman kuvan sote-järjestelmän tilasta. Yhteinen tietopohja mahdollistaa alueiden välisen vertailun, vaikuttavuuden arvioinnin ja tiedolla johtamisen.
Shared knowledge base for health and social services
Information management looks ahead
THL develops information management to respond to evolving service needs and growing data demands.
Key development areas include utilising the Kanta Services, harmonising information management, strengthening national data production and improving international interoperability—for example, to support cross-border healthcare.
The goal is that information increasingly supports the quality, equity and effectiveness of services in the future.
Read more about the future of information management