How does the social and health care service system work?

Regardless of the service system model, what matters in people’s everyday lives is whether they receive help when they need it. In addition to access to care, improving continuity of care is one of the key objectives in developing services.

Trust in the social and health care system

Finns’ trust in social and health care services has declined. Research Director Laura Kihlström notes that in Finland, trust has been regarded as the glue that holds society together, and that its weakening is a significant signal.

For the social and health care service system, trust is a critical indicator that must be measured and monitored. Trust is strengthened by well-functioning basic services and humane encounters in which people feel heard.

About the topic in more depth

Substance use services in the 2030s – What must be done to keep Finland on track?

More permissive alcohol policy, easier access to drugs, and the shift of gambling to online platforms are changing everyday life faster than the service system can respond.

Substance use services in the 2030

There is no single model for organising social and health services

Models for organising social and health care used in other countries also provide input for developing Finland’s social and health care system, but they do not offer quick solutions.