Integration and development
At our HUS primary healthcare unit, we are involved in the development of primary healthcare, specialized healthcare and social welfare services, and we promote the development competence of the personnel in the area as well as chain messenger activities and eConsultation.
We work in close development cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the University of Helsinki, the wellbeing services counties, Socca, and Terveyskylä (Health Village online service). In the Uusimaa region, we coordinate the network of public health work directors, the Uusimaa network of oral healthcare directors, and the Uusimaa network of nursing directors and actively participate in meetings of the network of public health work directors.
The members of the HUS area network of nursing directors work together to promote matters relevant to nursing and nursing science.
- The network serves as a peer group for nursing directors (nurse directors).
- The meetings will present and share topical issues with nursing in the area.
- The meetings will include discussions on procedures that are relevant for nursing.
- The HUS primary healthcare unit acts as the technical organizer of the meetings and assists the Chairmen in the preparations for the meetings.
Members of the HUS area network of public health directors work together to promote primary healthcare issues in the region. The network meets regularly to address healthcare development and operational issues.
- The network acts as a peer group for directors in public health.
- The meetings provide a broad overview of topical issues related to activities.
- If necessary, the network can provide opinions.
- The meetings will hear issues related to the promotion of health and wellbeing in primary healthcare and to general medicine.
- The HUS Primary Health Care Unit acts as the technical organizer of the meetings and assists the Chairmen in the preparation of the meetings.
The HUS area network of oral healthcare directors meets up 3–4 times a year. In the meetings, topical issues in oral healthcare are discussed and the objective is to promote the consistent development of oral healthcare. The meetings share expertise, present and disseminate good practices and invite representatives from the wellbeing services counties as well as from the Regional State Administrative Agencies, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and HUS. If necessary, the network will take a strong stand on oral healthcare issues.
The HUS Primary Health Care Unit acts as the technical organizer of the meetings and assists the Chair in the preparation of the meetings.
eConsultation allows social welfare and healthcare professionals in primary or specialized healthcare to consult a specialist already during the client’s appointment. eConsultation uses video, audio, mobile and chat connections, and allows for different file formats to be shared.
eConsultation is more than just a consultation between professionals because it allows the client to be present in the consultation situation. The client will be heard and can be an active party when planning their treatment.
For primary healthcare, eConsultations provide support for daily work and enable the development of skills. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment without a delay due to the referral procedure also benefits specialized healthcare and reduces referral processing. At the same time, eConsultation can be used to manage many situations in primary healthcare that would otherwise have required a visit to specialized healthcare. In uncomplicated situations, eConsultation can be used to provide a patient with specialized healthcare without having to wait for an invitation to the outpatient clinic and then arriving for the appointment. At the same time, the continuity of the treatment relationship remains good as the treatment continues uninterrupted in primary healthcare. This method supports the service chains and other collaborative structures in primary and specialized healthcare.
Further information: ekonsultaatio@hus.fi
‘Chain messenger’ is a system where brief learning and introductory periods are arranged for healthcare and social welfare professionals in primary healthcare, specialized healthcare, or social services in their area. These periods last from 1 to 5 days. During this period, the chain messenger is able to meet professionals in the field, update their knowledge and skills, and network with their colleagues.
Learn more about chain messenger activities.