Using the results in decision-making
The FinSote survey produces an important part of the information required for managing the change of health and social services. High-quality and comparable data on the implementation of health and well-being as well as receiving services facilitates the planning of services in the counties and increases transparency.
The FinSote survey answers questions on
- equality between population groups and regions,
- the use, availability and quality of services,
- the need for services among the population, and
- health behaviour, participation and safety.
The results of the FinSote survey make differences visible in the use of services as well as in the well-being and health of different population groups. The follow-up data by population groups helps the counties target their services and other functions to where they are needed the most. In addition, the survey produces information that can be used in directing measures for promoting well-being and health.
Counties can also use the data to
- utilise the data produced by the survey in statutory reporting and planning as the counties must follow the progress of the health and social services reform and the achievement of goals in their regions,
- obtain comparable data on the position of the county in national comparison as well as in relation with other counties,
- follow the development of the situation in the county over a long period of time using high-quality data.
The FinSote survey supplements register data
The survey collects monitoring data by population groups on key phenomena. Information on some of these phenomena, such as people's health behaviour and experiences, is not available in registers.
The questionnaire form of the FinSote survey includes around one hundred questions which allow obtaining information about the adult population's well-being and health, functional and working capacity, health behaviour lifestyles and risk factors, freedom of choice and its implementation as well as the need for and use of social and health care services.
The data will provide answers to questions such as the following:
- How do the respondents evaluate their eating, drinking and physical activity habits?
- How do they need and use social and health care services? Are enough services available?
- How many feel lonely? Are the organisation and cultural activities in the region attractive?
- How does the ageing population in the region describe their coping ability? How many are supported by a loved one or how many have the energy to help others?
- How is health and well-being distributed in the region?
The results can be utilised in many ways
The data of the FinSote survey serves the entire field of the management of social welfare and health care in the context of programmes, strategies as well as the planning of activities. The FinSote survey produces important indicator data related to health and well-being. For example, the data serves the preparation of well-being reports.
The indicators aim at summarising extensive data as numbers that can be used to monitor changes in the well-being and health of the population in a comparable way.
The FinSote results can be utilised via the Terveytemme.fi website and the Sotkanet indicator bank, which also contains descriptions on each indicator's contents and interpretations prepared by experts.
